The Ministry of Health has launched an intensive investigation into the mysterious deaths of four people in Migadini area, Mombasa County, with samples from the deceased now being analysed at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Kilifi.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed on Wednesday that laboratory tests are underway and results will be shared once investigations are complete.
“All the tests have been sent to our KEMRI labs in Kilifi, and then we will tell the country what’s going on, but what the DG has said as our technical head is not only for me but for the whole country,” Duale said.

The four people, aged between 55 and 91, were found dead in their homes between July 9 and July 14 in Migadini’s Matangini village, Changamwe.

According to local reports, they had swollen bodies and pus-filled wounds before their deaths, prompting concern among residents.

Health Director General Patrick Amoth said preliminary findings indicate the individuals may have had pre-existing conditions, adding that no other similar deaths have been reported elsewhere in the country.

“We have not established any clear pattern. Our team is on the ground, led by the Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor,” he said.
“As soon as we receive reports, we shall be able to share them with you. No cause for alarm now because some of the cases are reported to have had co-existing conditions and they have been in contact with the health facilities.”

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue. She said rapid response teams and surveillance officers have been deployed to the area and are working closely with local officials to assess the situation.

“The public is urged to remain calm as the Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates,” Muthoni said during a radio interview.

The Mombasa County Department of Health has also indicated that no evidence of an infectious disease has been detected so far, even as health teams continue to investigate the possible cause of the deaths.

In addition to the Migadini cases, the PS addressed growing public concern over the Mpox virus, assuring Kenyans that the government remains vigilant.
“We have heightened surveillance at all ports of entry, and rapid response mechanisms are firmly in place to manage any reported cases and prevent transmission,” Muthoni said.

She also highlighted the country’s progress in ongoing public health campaigns, noting that over 16.1 million children had received the typhoid vaccine, achieving 84 per cent national coverage.

An additional 5.18 million children received the Measles-Rubella vaccine, reaching 81 per cent of the target.

Muthoni added that the rollout of Universal Health Coverage is gaining pace, led by the Social Health Authority. She said the government is digitising service delivery, including verifying UHC staff across counties, to improve transparency and efficiency in community-level healthcare.