The Coast General Hospital, Mombasa/FILE
Authorities in Mombasa have launched investigations into a series of mysterious deaths reported in Migadini’s Matangini village.
It follows public concern after four people were found dead in their homes within a span of five days.
The Mombasa County Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that an investigative team had been deployed to the area after “unverified reports of deaths of four individuals under unclear circumstances” surfaced.
The bodies, all of adult men and women aged between 55 and 91 years, were discovered in their homes between July 9 and 14.
Among the deceased was a 91-year-old woman who died at home on July 9.
According to community members, the elderly woman had an unspecified chronic disease in addition to old age.
Her death was followed by the discovery of three more bodies on July 14, raising alarm among residents.
A 57-year-old man was found dead in his house, with health officials confirming he had been receiving treatment for various chronic conditions at Port-Reitz subcounty hospital.
On the same day, a 69-year-old man was discovered dead at home, his body already showing early signs of decomposition.
He was known to have suffered from asthma.
Also found was a 55-year-old man, whose remains were in a similar state of decomposition.
Health authorities noted he had been battling chronic illnesses and had recently been treated for dengue fever.
“The remains of the deceased are preserved at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, awaiting post-mortem examination and further evaluation,” the health department said in a statement.
It added that so far, investigations have not revealed any evidence of an infectious disease.
County health officials, while urging calm, called on residents to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines.
“We urge the public to liaise with community health promoters, community leaders and community-based organisations to report any cases of missing persons,” the department advised.
The public has also been cautioned against handling human remains and asked to promptly report any such cases to the authorities.
“Adhere to a high level of personal hygiene, including handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser,” the statement further advised.
Officials reassured residents that surveillance in the area had been intensified and updates would be provided as investigations progressed.
“The county department continues to monitor the situation and will provide more updates as more information becomes available,” the department said.
The unusual occurrence has unsettled Migadini residents, with many waiting anxiously for the outcome of the post-mortem examinations that could shed light on the sudden deaths.
