A Nairobi court has summoned government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, Dr. Peter Ndegwa, and another medical expert to physically appear in the ongoing inquest into the death of Jeff Mwathi. The hearing has been scheduled for October 21, 2025.

The directive was issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by Milimani Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi, who stressed the importance of having the doctors who conducted the postmortem testify in person.

Lawyer Duncan Okatch, representing Lawrence Njuguna, popularly known as DJ Fatxo, told the court that all parties, including the prosecution, agreed on the need for the pathologists to give their evidence directly.

He said Dr. Ndegwa was the first to examine Mwathi’s body when it was still intact and had not been interfered with.

He added that the findings from the second postmortem were limited because the body had already decomposed.

“The findings of this particular doctor and the exercise he conducted are very, very crucial, not only to my client but also to many others involved in this case, and more importantly, to the family,” Okatch told the court.

The lawyer also reminded the court that previous directions required witnesses to testify physically, a position supported by the prosecution. He noted that Dr. Ndegwa had not provided any explanation for failing to appear in court as expected.

Okatch urged the court to reinforce earlier orders summoning the pathologist. “This is a government employee paid by the government. I was informed and I hope correctly that no reason was given as to why he could not appear today,” he stated.

Magistrate Ndombi adjourned the proceedings, saying the matter is of public interest and must be handled with transparency. “Owing to the fact that this is a public interest suit, the hearing will be adjourned. I appreciate the fact that the prosecution had availed two witnesses and that the defense was ready to proceed, but under the circumstances, the case will be adjourned to ensure proper representation,” she ruled.

She further directed that Dr. Ndegwa must attend court physically at the next hearing, underscoring the importance of firsthand evidence in establishing the facts of the case.