This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
On March 30, a devastating gas cylinder accident occurred at the home of gospel musician Ruth Matete in Athi Rive, Machakos County, leaving her husband, John Olakanmi Apewajoye, with severe burns.
According to Dr. Johansen Oduor, the chief government pathologist, Apewajoye suffered 60% burns, which led to complications including sepsis and multiple organ failure.
Dr. Oduor led a team of pathologists and senior homicide detectives in conducting the post-mortem at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) mortuary in Nairobi on Thursday afternoon.
During the examination, the pathologists collected samples for toxicology tests and found no marks indicative of injuries on Apewajoye's body.
However, the Nigerian High Commission has requested the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to hold the body until the Nigerian government issues a directive allowing its release.
The DCI has instructed the KNH not to release the body, which has been at the morgue for nearly two weeks.
Ruth Matete's lawyer, Robert Adanga, has expressed opposition to the decision, stating that it is unfair and that they will seek audience with the embassy to allow his client to conduct a funeral.
