Walibora succumbed while receiving emergency care, court told

By Newsflash Writer

A medical doctor at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Tuesday, January 20, informed a Milimani court that renowned scholar and journalist Prof Ken Walibora died from critical injuries as doctors worked to save his life.

Dr Stellah Rono gave her testimony before the magistrate leading the inquest into the cause of Prof Walibora’s death, stating that he passed on while still receiving emergency medical care.

Dr Rono explained that the patient had sustained extremely serious injuries and was taken to the resuscitation unit while still alive, though his condition at the time was described as very critical.

She told the court that the medical team moved with speed and made every possible effort to stabilise him, but he eventually lost his life. According to the doctor, he was initially admitted under the description of an unidentified male since his identity could not be established immediately.

Autopsy findings spark concerns

Questions surrounding the circumstances of his death intensified after a post-mortem examination conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor. The autopsy revealed injuries on the right side of his head, a broken right arm, and bleeding inside the brain.

There was also a wound on the same arm suggesting the possibility that he had been stabbed.

These revelations led his brother, teacher Patrick Lumumba, to urge authorities to carry out comprehensive investigations to uncover the exact events that led to Prof Walibora’s death.

Further reports indicated that Prof Walibora had travelled to the Muthurwa area to speak with a lorry driver who was delivering construction materials to his home in Trans-Nzoia County.

Probe handed to DCI

Central Police Station OCPD Mark Wanjala confirmed that the investigation into the death has since been handed over to detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The celebrated writer and academic is reported to have been struck by a vehicle along Landhies Road near Muthurwa Market on April 10, 2020.

Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.