Rachel Brenda Opiyo, the woman who was found dead at her employer’s home in the Shimanzi area of Mombasa died from a heart attack caused by thyroid complications.
Her death had sparked outrage after her body was discovered outside an apartment where she had gone for work.
Family members had raised concerns over visible marks on her hands and legs, alleging possible foul play.
The incident prompted demands for answers from relatives, friends, human rights activists and members of the public.
And after a week-long wait, Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor on Wednesday confirmed that the cause of death was heart failure linked to an enlarged thyroid gland.
“We did the autopsy, and our finding is that the late Brenda was actually sick. She had an enlarged thyroid gland that led to heart failure,” Oduor said.
He dismissed claims that the deceased had suffered burns or electrocution.
“Upon examining those areas, they appeared to be post-mortem skin changes and slippage. She had been exposed to the sun outside, and because of that exposure, the skin started peeling and darkening,” Oduor explained.
The pathologist said although no signs of electrocution were found, samples of the skin had been taken for further analysis, including toxicology tests, to determine whether there were any chemical alterations to the body.
“We looked for signs of electrocution, which usually leave a distinct pattern, but we did not find any on Brenda’s body,” he said.
Those present during the autopsy included the family’s pathologist, lawyers, crime scene investigators, family members and human rights activists.
The family later confirmed that Brenda had indeed been battling a thyroid condition and said they were satisfied with the findings of the post-mortem examination.
Her mother, Janet Ouma, said the family had accepted the results and would now begin burial preparations.
“I am satisfied with the results of the post-mortem. It is true she had a thyroid disease, and it had become bigger,” she said.
Brenda is survived by her husband and two children.
