The October 26 passing of Kenyan businesswoman Lucy Wambui following a cosmetic procedure at a Nairobi clinic has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
News of the mother of four’s death was publicized on social media by Influencer Amira, a friend of the deceased.
Amira wrote in a statement shared to her Instagram account that Lucy had succumbed days after a cosmetic procedure at Body By Design clinic, accusing the hospital of negligence and malpractice.
“Lucy had her surgery done at Body By Design (Omnicare Medical) by a doctor who has been confirmed not to be a Plastic Surgeon and her intestines were perforated and stool leaked into the tummy causing very bad infection that led to her death.”
“She was in pain and discharged home from Body By Design on 22nd but the pain became unbearable and she went back the same day only to find no doctor and was then rushed to Nairobi Hospital…”
The social media influencer added that the late Lucy spent 4 days in the ICU before passing away.
“Her post-morterm has confirmed this and justice will be served! May Lucy rest in eternal peace!”
Body By Design was quick to respond to the allegations, calling the speculation on Lucy’s cause of death “unverified information” in a statement shared on the hospital’s social media on October 31.
“Our top priority at Omnicare Medical Limited is the well-being and safety of our patients. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of care and transparency,” the statement read in part.
“As such, we have launched a thorough investigation into the events leading up to this tragedy. Our team is collaborating closely with relevant authorities to ensure a full and objective review.”
The clinic further expressed sympathy for Lucy’s loved ones, while promising to provide further details as they become available.
“We would like to confirm that the deceased successfully had her procedure done at our facility and was fully discharged.”
The comment section on the post was turned off.
However, the public outcry across different platforms was palpable, with various content creators and high profile personalities speaking out about Lucy’s tragic passing and asking for answers.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is reportedly a close friend to the bereaved family, and was among the first to call out the hospital, even storming to the facility’s premises and leading a protest.
“The Thursday protest comes amid a growing number of complaints on social media accusing the cosmetic clinic of malpractice,” Citizen Digital reports.
“Speaking to the press outside the clinic, Sonko called on the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Board (KMPDB) to conduct an investigation. He stated that his office had received numerous appeals from grieving mothers who alleged that cosmetic surgeries performed by the clinic had resulted in deaths.”
On October 31, The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) ordered the immediate closure of the facility due to serious health and safety violations under CAP 253 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act.
The hospital is now fighting the closure and denying wrongdoing in Lucy’s death.
Nation reports that Body By Design has filed a court application challenging the closure notice and distancing itself from allegations of a botched cosmetic procedure.
According to Lawyer Danstan Omari, who is representing the owners, the facility is well equipped with ‘state-of-the-art medical equipment and qualified surgeons.’
“The clinic argues KMPDU’s closure notice is unconstitutional, irrational and unreasonable, and seeks an order to prevent any disruption to its daily operations.”
