AAR Hospital Faces Negligence Claims Following MCA Joel Munuve’s Death

AAR Hospital in Kiambu is under scrutiny following allegations of medical negligence in the death of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve, according to County Assembly officials.

During a press conference at the County Assembly on Friday, lawyer Biko Ashioya claimed the hospital failed to detect a critical blood clot that ultimately proved fatal for the respected local politician.

“The clot had been there for a long time. It travelled from his leg to his heart, and the hospital failed to detect it. They should have noticed and acted before it became fatal,” Ashioya told reporters.

According to County Assembly pathologist Dr. David Atandi, who accompanied Ashioya at the briefing, post-mortem results conducted by both independent and government pathologists determined that Munuve died from a massive pulmonary embolism—a large blood clot that blocked the main artery to his lungs.

“We concluded the cause of death was a large clot in the pulmonary trunk,” Dr. Atandi explained.

“His external appearance was normal, but internally, his left lung had collapsed and a major blood vessel to the heart was completely blocked.”

The examination reportedly revealed a significant clot in the back of Munuve’s leg that is believed to have developed over time before breaking loose and causing the fatal blockage.

Medical experts involved in the investigation also noted that Munuve’s heart was mildly enlarged.

Ashioya has emphasized that proper medical attention could have prevented the tragedy.

“This is something that could have been stopped. The hospital should have seen the magnitude of the issue, but unfortunately, they did not,” he stated.

While the pathologists ruled out foul play, they characterized the failure to detect the developing clot as a “serious lapse in medical care.”

The County Assembly has reportedly tasked officials with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Munuve’s death.

Ashioya has called for a formal inquiry to determine whether negligence contributed to the MCA’s passing.

Munuve’s sudden death has deeply affected the Makueni County community, where he was known for his dedication to public service.

When contacted for comment, AAR Hospital representatives declined to address the specific allegations, stating that they cannot discuss patient details due to confidentiality policies, but expressed condolences to the family and affirmed their commitment to high standards of medical care.

Health experts note that pulmonary embolisms can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms sometimes mimic other conditions, but proper screening protocols for at-risk patients are considered standard medical practice.

The case raises important questions about diagnostic protocols and patient care standards in local healthcare facilities.