Governor Wanga's advisor died of substance intoxication

The late Benard Omuga. [James Omoro, Standard]

An autopsy has revealed that Governor Gladys Wanga’s advisor on intelligence Benard Omuga died of substance intoxication.

The postmortem examination conducted at Kirindo MED 25 mortuary in Mbita Sub-County, it was established that Omuga’s death was caused by a poisonous substance.

Homa Bay County Chief Officer for Health Dr Kevin Osuri who conducted the postmortem said the intoxicated substance had not been identified.

The exercise took place in the presence of Omuga’s family and police.

“Our preliminary findings indicate that our senior colleague died of substance intoxication. However, we are not able to identify the substance,” Dr Osuri said.

Osuri said samples have been taken to the government chemist for a toxicology screen.

The samples included the liver, spleen, intestines, blood and urine.

Osuri said the toxicology screen will enable forensic analysts to enhance the identification of the toxic substance.

“The toxicology screen will also enable us to know the substance and means through which it entered the body,” Dr Osuri said.

The postmortem revealed that there was no disease suspected of causing Omuga’s sudden death.

The late Omuga’s brother Julius Omuga said his brother died mysteriously on Sunday morning when he was being taken to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital.

He said that he did not demonstrate any signs of illness prior to his death.

The late Omuga was last seen in an entertainment joint in Rodi Kopany township where he was with his brothers and a family friend Saturday evening.

“We were together that evening until 10 pm when we went home together. Every one of us went to his home and slept.  Benard woke up the following morning and began brushing his teeth when he felt dizzy. He suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital,” Julius said.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Samson Kinne said they are waiting for the final results of the postmortem to enable them to take appropriate action based on the findings

“We are waiting for the final postmortem to enable us to know the nature of the death and that will guide us on the action to take,” Kinne said.

Omuga also served as the County Deputy Director of Inspectorate services.

Prior to his appointment, he was the Chief of Kanyach Kachar Location in Homa Bay Sub- County.