Tensions flared during the burial ceremony of three-year-old Diana Chepng’eno in Bomet on Sunday, November 17, when a confrontation between rival political factions led to chaos.
The child, who had tragically passed away after allegedly receiving poor medical care at Longisa County Referral Hospital, was being laid to rest when the ceremony was abruptly interrupted by clashes between supporters of Bomet Governor Hillary Bachok and those backing Senator Hillary Sigei.
The tension began when Senator Sigei and his supporters demanded the immediate dismissal of the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Health over the death of the young girl.
The dispute grew heated as Governor Bachok’s supporters defended the administration’s actions, accusing the senator’s camp of politicizing the tragedy.
As the situation spiraled out of control, both sides exchanged heated words, and the confrontation quickly turned violent.
In an effort to restore order, police officers on the scene were forced to fire warning shots into the air to disperse the agitated crowd.
This action brought an abrupt end to planned speeches, including remarks from local politicians who had gathered for the funeral.
Bomet East MP Richard Yegon, who was present at the funeral, expressed his frustration over the state of healthcare in the county.
“There have been a lot of problems at this hospital. In fact, the loss of this little girl was just the tip of the iceberg,” Yegon said, referring to the public outcry over the hospital’s handling of medical emergencies.
“We saw the reactionary measures the governor took, like shifting staff around, but the problems remain. Some people were sleeping on the floor.”
The incident, which occurred in the aftermath of the child’s death, has sparked outrage online, particularly after a disturbing video surfaced showing the child writhing in pain in a hospital bed while nurses were reportedly heard laughing in the background.
The family has alleged that the child’s death was a result of medical negligence by hospital staff.
Speaking to the press, Joan Cherotich, the child’s aunt, recounted the tragic events of that day.
She explained that Diana was one of four children severely stung by a swarm of bees, and the family had requested a referral to a better-equipped facility.
“We begged for help but nobody helped us. We took two of the children to Tenwek Hospital, but only one survived,” Cherotich said, adding that the child was left unattended for long periods at Longisa Hospital, exacerbating her condition.
In response to the allegations, Bomet’s Health CECM, Joseph Sitonik, stated that the county government was conducting a thorough investigation.
“The staff consulted their seniors, and it was advised that the children be referred to Tenwek. The family, however, chose to take the child there themselves, but we later learned that one of the children passed away,” Sitonik explained.
The controversy surrounding the tragic death of Diana Chepng’eno continues to fuel debates about the quality of healthcare services in the region, with many residents calling for urgent reforms.
DCI Arrests Woman For Robbing Chadian National After Drugging Him At Nairobi Nightclubs
