Autopsy: PCEA pastor Ndumia died from lack of oxygen after severe head injuries

A postmortem examination on the body of Presbyterian Church of East Africa pastor Rev Julius Ngari Ndumia has revealed that he died from lack of oxygen following severe head injuries sustained during an attack.

The autopsy, conducted on May 6 by Nakuru-based pathologist Titus Ngulungu, found that the cleric suffered multiple injuries to the head and neck, which led to suffocation and excessive bleeding.

Speaking after the procedure, the pathologist said the body showed signs of assault, including injuries on the front and back of the head as well as the neck.

“When we examined the body of the Reverend, his body was bound, and he had injuries, especially to the head both at the front and the back, as well as some injuries to the neck. Those were the most noticeable injuries,” he said.

He noted that the late pastor had a significant laceration at the back of the head, which affected the brain and indicated a forceful attack using a blunt object.

“The autopsy reveals that he died from severe multiple head injuries. There was a large fracture at the back of the head, likely caused by a blunt object, which led to serious trauma to the brain,” the pathologist added.

According to the findings, the injuries caused heavy bleeding and were compounded by pressure applied to the neck, which interfered with breathing.

“The cause of death was suffocation due to pressure applied to the neck, which made it impossible for him to breathe properly, a condition we refer to as asphyxiation, alongside the head injuries that caused significant blood loss,” he explained.

The examination also revealed marks on the hands and legs, suggesting that the deceased may have been restrained before his death.

Family spokesperson Francis Mwangi said the family had received the findings and expressed satisfaction with the process so far, while calling for swift justice.

“We appreciate the support from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the entire team. We are satisfied with the findings and now look forward to quick justice for our loved one,” Mwangi said.

Bahati MP Irene Njoki said the family and the community were relying on the government to ensure those responsible are apprehended.

“He was attacked by unknown people, but we have faith that the government will ensure justice is served for the Reverend,” she said.

Rev Ndumia was killed on the night of May 3 at the church residence in Tabuga, Nakuru County, in what police described as a suspected criminal attack.

According to police, the assailants gained entry into the compound in the early hours of the morning, overpowered a security guard and forced him to lead them to the pastor’s house.

The attackers are reported to have restrained both victims before carrying out the fatal assault and ransacking the house.

The pastor’s body was later found inside the living room with deep cut wounds, while the injured watchman survived the attack.

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa described the killing as a painful loss, noting that the incident had deeply shaken the church and its congregation.

Investigations into the killing are ongoing.