NAIROBI – The Ministry of Health has dispatched a team of experts to Mombasa to investigate the unexplained deaths of four individuals reported in the Migadini area. Health officials say no clear symptoms have been linked to the fatalities, complicating efforts to identify the cause.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General of Health, confirmed that pathologists are conducting autopsies, and samples have been forwarded to laboratories for testing.
“We are still working to determine the exact cause of these deaths,” Dr. Amoth said during a briefing in Kisumu. “The affected individuals did not present unusual symptoms, which is why this process is taking time.”
Dr. Johansen Oduor, Kenya’s Chief Government Pathologist, is leading the postmortem examinations. Authorities have not ruled out underlying health conditions in some of the cases.
“Some of the deceased had existing medical conditions and had recently sought care from local health facilities,” Dr. Amoth noted.
The Ministry has urged residents to stay calm and avoid speculation until the official results are released.
“There is no indication of an outbreak,” Dr. Amoth added. “We are following every lead and will share verified findings once all analyses are complete.”
The deaths, which surfaced last week, raised concern among families in Mikindani after the victims were found with physical signs such as peeling skin. However, no health official has confirmed links to infection or toxic exposure.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, confirmed that the Government is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves. CS Aden Duale, while in Kisumu for the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), warned healthcare providers against manipulating data under the new system. “Any facility found inflating bed numbers or falsifying patient records under SHA will face serious consequences,” Duale said.
The Ministry’s priority remains public safety and accurate diagnosis, as investigations continue in coordination with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Officials expect to release preliminary findings once all pathology and toxicology reports are complete.
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