A post-mortem examination has established that hotel intern Margaret Wambui died from multiple severe fractures sustained after falling from the 34-storey Altura Canaan Building in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area, as detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
The autopsy, conducted at the Nairobi Funeral Home in the presence of pathologists representing both the State and the family, concluded that the injuries suffered in the fall were the cause of death. According to investigators, Wambui died at the scene after sustaining extensive trauma consistent with a fall from height.
The findings come as detectives reviewing surveillance footage from the residential building said they have, so far, found no evidence suggesting the involvement of another person.
According to investigators, CCTV footage shows Wambui accessed the rooftop alone and remained there for more than 40 minutes before the incident. Detectives said the footage reviewed does not show anyone else joining her on the rooftop during that period.
Police have therefore stated that, based on the CCTV evidence examined to date, they have not established any indication of third-party involvement. However, investigators emphasised that inquiries into the circumstances leading to the fall remain ongoing.
The case has attracted public attention following Wambui’s death, with investigators reconstructing her movements before she entered the building and the events leading up to the incident.
A relative of the deceased, Maina Gathogo, said the family accepted the medical findings on the cause of death but wants investigators to establish what led to the fatal fall.
“We had our family doctor present during the post-mortem, and we have been informed that she indeed died from the fall. Almost every part of her body was fractured, although her head did not sustain any injuries,” Gathogo told Citizen TV.
He said the family is awaiting the outcome of the police investigation to better understand the circumstances surrounding Wambui’s final moments.
“If she jumped, we want to know what could have driven her to make such a decision,” he said.
Investigators have not disclosed whether they are pursuing any additional lines of inquiry beyond the forensic examination and CCTV review. They have also not announced that the case has been concluded.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is expected to continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing available evidence and reconstructing Wambui’s movements before determining whether any further investigative action is required.
While the post-mortem has established the medical cause of death, police maintain that investigations into the events preceding the fall remain active. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as detectives complete their inquiries.
At the time of publication, no evidence of criminal involvement had been publicly disclosed, and no arrests or charges had been announced in connection with Wambui’s death.