City Hospital Denies Involvement in Patient’s Death Amid Controversy

By Collins Wanzallah

A prominent city hospital has firmly distanced itself from allegations that it was involved in the tragic death of a patient, Lucy Wambui Ng’ang’a, who was treated and discharged from the facility days before her passing. Represented by lawyers Danstan Omari and Sophie Nekesa, the hospital, Body By Design, clarified that Ng’ang’a died at Nairobi Hospital, not at their clinic.

Ng’ang’a, the wife of businessman James Ng’ang’a, reportedly underwent cosmetic surgery at Body By Design and later sought specialised treatment at Nairobi Hospital. The legal team highlighted that her death occurred days after leaving their facility, refuting claims that their clinic was to blame.

Clinic Closure and Public Outcry

The controversy intensified when former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko led a group of youths to the clinic on Thursday, demanding its closure. This protest followed mounting pressure, which led the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to order the clinic’s closure. However, Omari confirmed that Body By Design will challenge the shutdown in court, declaring, “Our client is clean on this matter. We will move to court to demand the reopening of our client’s clinic.”

Omari emphasized the clinic’s strong reputation, noting its compliance with all operational requirements as registered by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board. He further claimed that the facility’s Kenyan ownership might have played a role in the backlash, stating, “This harassment stems from the fact that it is a Kenyan-owned facility, not foreign-owned.”

Praise for Police Intervention

Omari extended gratitude to Muthangari Police for maintaining order during the protest led by Sonko, helping prevent potential damage to the clinic.