Revealed: What killed prominent businessman who was found dead at his Karen Home

Prominent businessman and politician Francis Kiambi Kiriro aka Matanka, who was found dead at his Karen home succumbed to a cardiac arrest, this is according to a post-mortem conducted on Friday, January 13.

Chief Government pathologist Johansen Oduor says the cardiac arrest was caused by coronary artery disease occasioned by excess cholesterol in the body of the deceased.

Kiambi died at his Karen home on Monday, January 9 morning. He was the proprietor of a company that processes and sells alcoholic drinks.

According to a police report seen by TV47 Digital, Kiambi was found dead in his room with vomit oozing from his mouth.

He had gone out with his wife Mary Waigwe Muthoni on Sunday, January 8 evening and the couple retired to its residence at about midnight.

“They each spent the night in different rooms and the deceased never woke up since then, but could be heard snoring throughout the day and night and had vomited in his bedroom. It was until today at around 0600hrs when she went to check on the deceased and she found him lying dead on his bed with some vomits beside the bed,” part of the police report said. 

“They called a doctor from the Karen hospital who confirmed the death at around 0902 hrs.”

Kiambi's body was taken to Lee Funeral Home as police launched investigations.

In the 2017 general election, the deceased unsuccessfully run for the Tharaka Nithi County senatorial seat. He lost to Prof. Kithure Kindiki, now Interior Cabinet Secretary.

In a condolence message posted on Facebook, Prof. Kindiki said: "I have learnt with deep sorrow and profound sadness of the untimely death of My friend, our son Francis Kiambi Kiriiro Matanka... We will forever remember Matanka as an astute business leader whose acumen saw him establish one of the largest manufacturing industries in Kenya, employing hundreds of people directly and impacting thousands of lives.

"We are poorer as a people without this brave and selfless leader. Matanka's leadership, towering personality and generosity will be missed by many, particularly Tharaka community among whom he had made life-changing and impactful investments."