Government pathologist reveals what killed Ruth Matete’s husband

Image: Ruth Matete with Belovedjohn Apewajoye

Autopsy reports indicate that the late Apewajoye succumbed due to complications resulting from the 60 percent burns he suffered following a gas explosion at their home.

Chief government pathologist, Dr Johansen Oduor added that the postmortem was led by a team of four pathologists and senior homicide detectives.

The examination took place on Thursday afternoon at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) mortuary in Nairobi.

Report

Dr Oduor divulged that the deceased suffered complications inclusive of sepsis and multiple organ failure resulting from the unfortunate incident on the 30th of March at their home.

He died because of burns, which were mixed degree burns estimated at 60 per cent. In burns, what kills are the complication that arise. In this case there was sepsis, multiple organ failure and all that.

Chief government pathologist, Dr Johansen Oduor addressing journalists on the 23rd of April

Dismissing any possibilities of Apewajoye’s death due to injuries.

We checked and there were no [injuries revealed].

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide detectives alongside Ms Matete’s lawyer, Robert Adanga, were present to witness the examination that lasted at least an hour, as from 3 pm.

Samples were collected by the detectives, for toxicology tests, as the Nation reports.

Ruth Matete, the government, Bellevue South Hospital and Jessy Mc Jessiey – Nigerian national who accused Ruth Matete of being a suspect in her hubby’s death – were represented by pathologists.

Burial

Despite getting over and done with the much-awaited postmortem results, the Kenyan gospel singer is however not free to go ahead and bury her late husband.

Front row: Ruth Matete with late husband, Belovedjohn Apewajoye

This is following a letter from the Nigerian embassy addressed to the DCI, requesting them to hold behind Belovedjohn’s body until the Nigerian government allows for its release.

The High Commission wishes to state that, after the postmortem, the burial should be put on hold until it is in receipt of such a directive from the Nigerian government, while the mission awaits the conclusion of the investigations.

Dispute

In that regard, Ruth Matete’s lawyer said that was unfair to do and would therefore formally meet with the embassy so that burial plans can proceed.

This is considering the embassy declined to give its pathology, saying it would rely on the government’s postmortem results.

We shall strongly communicate to the Nigerian embassy and strongly oppose the decision to hold the body at KNH. The embassy was duly informed to present a pathologist but it opted not to. It is therefore extremely unfair to withhold the body as my client needs to peacefully rest and mourn.

Ruth Matete with late husband, Belovedjohn Apewajoye

Lawyer Robert Odanga however expressed satisfaction with the postmortem results, urging all parties interested with the case to use facts before judging his client, Ruth.

We are satisfied with how the homicide department has handled the investigation and we shall support them in everything they may need.

The late Belovedjohn Apewajoye breathed his last on the 21st of April.

About this writer:

Gloria Katunge