Investigations launched into the death of a county official

Homa Bay

Wednesday August 23, 2023

KNA by Davis Langat

Investigations have been launched into the mysterious death of Homa Bay county government's advisor on intelligence Mr Benard Omuga.

Homa Bay County Chief Officer for Health Kevin Osuri said Preliminary investigations pointed that the official died from ingesting a toxic substance.

He said a postmortem examination was conducted at Kirindo MED 25 mortuary in Mbita Sub- County adding that the toxic substance had not been identified.

Dr Osuri conducted the pathology in the presence of Omuga’s family and police.

“Our preliminary findings indicate that the official died of substance intoxication. However, so far we have not been able identify the substance,” Dr Osuri said.

Addressing the press today, Osuri said they took some body samples to the government chemist for further tests. The samples included the liver, spleen, intestines, blood and urine.

Osuri said a toxicology screen will be conducted for forensic analysis to identify the toxic substance.

“The toxicology screen will identify the toxic substance and means through which it entered the body,” Dr Osuri said.

He said the postmortem revealed that there was no disease linked to Omuga’s sudden death.

The late Omuga’s brother Julius Omuga said he died mysteriously on Sunday morning when he was being taken to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital. He said his brother did not show any signs of illness prior to his death.

The deceased was last seen Saturday evening in Rodi Kopany Township alongside his brothers and a family friend.

“We were together that evening until 10 pm when we went home together. Benard woke up the following morning, felt dizzy and suddenly collapsed before he was rushed to hospital,” Julius said.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Samson Kinne said investigations had been launched into the mysterious death and that they were waiting for the final results of the postmortem.

“We are waiting for the final postmortem results to know the cause of the death and that will guide us on the next action,” Kinne said.

Omuga had also served as the County Deputy Director of Inspectorate services. Prior to his appointment, he was the Chief of Kanyach Kachar Location in Homa Bay Sub-county. 

Courtesy ; K. N. A