Former High Court Judge Joseph Mbalu Mutava died from a heart attack, according to findings from a postmortem examination conducted after his sudden death.
Mutava, who was the husband of Kibwezi East Member of Parliament Jessica Nduku Mbalu, died on Friday, August 21, 2026, after falling seriously ill at his home.
The former judge had reportedly spent part of the evening with friends at a bar on the outskirts of Kibwezi township.
According to family accounts, Mutava appeared to be in good health and was enjoying an ordinary evening before returning home in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A designated driver reportedly drove him home, where he walked from the vehicle into the sitting room without assistance.
His condition then deteriorated rapidly, prompting his family to rush him to a hospital in Makindu Township.
However, medical staff pronounced him dead upon arrival at the facility.
His body was later transferred to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, where the postmortem examination was conducted on Monday.
The examination established that Mutava had suffered a heart attack, providing an initial explanation for his sudden death.
Despite the findings, his family has requested additional toxicology tests to establish whether any other factors contributed to his death.
Mbalu said the family wants the tests to provide clarity and help them find closure following the unexpected loss.
The request has added another dimension to the circumstances surrounding the former judge’s death, although there has been no confirmed finding of poisoning.
Mutava had earlier travelled from Nairobi to the countryside to pay his respects to a bereaved family in the area.
His death has since attracted attention because of his legal career and the sudden nature of his final illness.
The former judge served in Kenya’s High Court before leaving the bench.
His family is now awaiting the toxicology results as preparations to lay him to rest continue.
For his loved ones, the additional tests are expected to provide a clearer understanding of what happened during his final hours.
The postmortem findings have established a heart attack as the immediate cause of death, while the toxicology tests are expected to determine whether any other substances or contributing factors were involved.