On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Rtd Elder Eng Kenneth Kungu Wainaina of Ruiru tragically collapsed and passed away while addressing his congregation. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, occurred during a church service where Elder Wainaina was reminding the members of the church’s vision. As he spoke about the church’s history since 2005, he suddenly stopped talking and collapsed.
Details of the Incident:
- Date: May 19, 2024
- Location: Ruiru
- Victim: Rtd Elder Eng Kenneth Kungu Wainaina, aged 67
- Cause of Death: Heart attack
- Witnesses: Church congregation and leaders present during the service
Sequence of Events:
- Address: During his address, Elder Wainaina stated, “We came to this place in the year 2005 on June 19. We are only one month less than 19 years.”
- Collapse: Mid-speech, he suddenly stopped talking and collapsed, prompting a woman to scream and church leaders to rush to his aid.
- Obituary: On May 24, his family published an obituary on Google confirming his age and passing.
Heart Attack Information:
According to the Mayo Clinic, a heart attack occurs when an artery supplying blood and oxygen to the heart is blocked. This blockage is often due to fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits forming plaques in the arteries. If a plaque ruptures, it can create a blood clot that blocks the artery, causing a heart attack. During a heart attack, the lack of blood flow causes heart muscle tissue to die.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
- Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing, or aching)
- Pain spreading to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper belly
- Cold sweat
- Fatigue
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Community Reaction:
The incident has deeply affected the church community and the elder’s family, who are mourning his sudden loss. Local leaders and community members have expressed their condolences and support to the family during this difficult time. The church plans to hold a memorial service to honor Elder Wainaina’s life and contributions to the community.