The government has provided an update following preliminary investigations at the health facility where Lucy Wambui tragically died after a cosmetic surgery that went wrong.
Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Health, announced that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) discovered serious compliance issues at the clinic.
In a statement released on November 2, Muthoni indicated that the facility violated Sections 4 and 15 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253), which require healthcare providers to adhere to minimum operational standards set by the Ministry of Health.
“The inspection indicated that the facility was operating below acceptable medical standards and was not adhering to essential patient safety regulations,” Muthoni explained.
Furthermore, she revealed that a second phase of investigations is currently being conducted to evaluate the accountability of the staff involved in Wambui’s treatment.
The ministry is assessing the situation to determine appropriate actions moving forward.
To safeguard public health, the KMPDC has mandated the immediate closure of the clinic until all necessary corrections are made to meet patient safety standards.
“The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, through the KMPDC, is committed to ensuring the highest quality of healthcare in Kenya and will actively monitor compliance to protect the public.
We will provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available,” Muthoni stated.
This announcement comes in the wake of the Ministry of Health’s decision to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wambui’s unfortunate death.
Muthoni noted that a team of experts was sent to evaluate whether proper professional standards were maintained during the cosmetic procedure that led to her demise.
“The Ministry of Health expresses deep concern regarding the report of Lucy Wambui’s death following complications from a surgical procedure at a Nairobi clinic.
Any evidence of malpractice or deviations from established protocols will be addressed according to the law,” she affirmed.
In contrast, the medical facility has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Wambui underwent plastic surgery at their clinic before being transferred to Nairobi Hospital, where she ultimately passed away.
The facility’s owners, represented by attorney Danstan Omari, are seeking a court order to prevent the closure.
The owners dispute the Ministry’s findings, asserting that they are fully registered and compliant with all regulatory standards.
Omari remarked, “This facility is certified as a Level 3 hospital, holds all necessary medical licenses, and has been operating for nearly ten years.
They underwent thorough vetting to qualify as a hospital.”
“We urge the public to be cautious about sharing unverified information on social media.
We hope our client will soon have the chance to clarify the circumstances surrounding the procedures performed, allowing the truth to come to light,” added attorney Sophy Wanjala.
