An ongoing judicial inquest into the death of 23-year-old interior designer Geoffrey 'Jeff' Mwathi, who died on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, continues to leave the career of musician Lawrence Njuguna, popularly known as DJ Fatxo, in limbo. Mwathi died after falling from the 10th-floor apartment of DJ Fatxo at Redwood Apartments in Roysambu, Nairobi.

The case, which has drawn significant public and media attention in Kenya, is currently before a Milimani Law Courts magistrate who is tasked with formally determining the cause of death. This followed a recommendation for a public inquest by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in May 2023, after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) concluded its initial probe and found no direct evidence linking the DJ or others present to murder.

Sequence of Events

According to multiple witness testimonies and CCTV footage reviewed during the inquest, Mwathi had met with DJ Fatxo on February 21, 2023, to discuss an interior design job. They, along with others, visited several entertainment spots before returning to the DJ's apartment at around 3:00 AM EAT on February 22. Present in the house were Mwathi, DJ Fatxo, his cousin Christopher Wang'ombe, driver Geoffrey Wanyeki, and three women. CCTV footage later showed DJ Fatxo leaving the apartment with the three women. Subsequently, his cousin and driver were also seen leaving the apartment. CCTV footage captured a figure falling from the building at approximately 5:53 AM EAT. The two men were recorded returning to the 10th floor minutes before the fall.

Investigations and Autopsy Findings

The initial police report from Kasarani Police Station suggested suicide, a theory vehemently disputed by Mwathi's family, including his uncle, prominent Mugithi singer Samuel Muchoki, also known as Samidoh. Public pressure led to the DCI's Homicide Unit taking over the investigation in March 2023, under orders from the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Prof. Kithure Kindiki.

Mwathi's body was exhumed on March 31, 2023, for a second autopsy conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor. The post-mortem revealed that Mwathi died from severe head and limb injuries, including fractures to his skull, limbs, and neck. During the inquest in October 2025, both Dr. Oduor and retired government pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa testified that swabs taken during the autopsies showed no evidence of sexual assault, refuting widespread social media allegations.

The Inquest and Testimonies

The public inquest began in August 2023, with the prosecution lining up 35 witnesses. Testifying in August 2025, Samidoh told the court that the scene of the incident was not properly secured when he arrived. He rejected the suicide theory, stating that the neatness of the bed in the room from which Mwathi allegedly jumped made a voluntary leap improbable. Mwathi's father, Peter Ngugi, also testified, expressing his belief that his son was murdered.

DJ Fatxo's legal team has maintained his innocence, stating he was not in the apartment at the time of the incident. The DCI's investigation report, submitted to the DPP, had noted it was a 'forensic impossibility' to definitively link those present to the death and suggested suicide was a strong possibility, as the window was considered too small for a person to be pushed through. However, homicide detectives had earlier told media outlets they suspected murder, ruling out suicide.

Impact and Public Statements

Throughout the protracted investigation and inquest, DJ Fatxo has publicly stated that the allegations have severely damaged his career, leading to loss of business and public condemnation. In various statements, he has expressed his desire for the case to conclude, maintaining his innocence while also stating that Mwathi and his family deserve justice. The entertainer confirmed he was the first to report Mwathi missing to the police. The inquest continues, with the magistrate expected to hear from remaining witnesses, including pathologists, before making a final determination on the cause of death.