By Ongaga Ongaga
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has called for the immediate suspension of a doctor linked to the death of a 22-year-old patient after surgery in Kitale.
The association also wants the doctor’s licence revoked, describing the procedure as unlawful and the patient’s death as a result of gross negligence.
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In a statement, KMA said the young man died on May 28 from a severe infection following what it termed “gross surgical negligence,” insisting that the death was preventable and amounted to a serious violation of medical standards.
“The deceased suffered a preventable death. He deserved safe, lawful, and competent medical care,” the association said.
KMA noted that video footage circulating publicly and confirmed through official media briefings by the County Government of Trans Nzoia showed that a major surgical procedure was conducted “in the complete absence of basic surgical infrastructure and infection prevention and control standards.”
According to the association, the patient was placed in “absolute and foreseeable danger,” an act that it said violated the physician’s pledge and duty to do no harm.
“The conduct alleged in this case constitutes gross medical negligence under Kenyan law,” KMA stated. “Negligence of this nature and magnitude must be met with the full force of the law; professional, civil, and criminal.”
The doctors’ body has urged the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to immediately launch a formal investigation and review the practitioner’s licence status pending the outcome of the probe.
“The Council must review the full licensure status of the individual concerned and pursue the full range of disciplinary sanctions available,” KMA said.
The association also called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to consider criminal proceedings, arguing that performing surgery under conditions that pose a direct and foreseeable risk to life should not be treated as a matter for professional sanctions alone.
“KMA further calls upon the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to urgently consider whether the circumstances of the patient’s death meet the threshold for criminal proceedings,” the statement said.
The association acknowledged reports alleging the practitioner may have had a long-standing history of substance abuse but emphasized that such claims should not interfere with ongoing investigations.
“KMA is unequivocal, however, that the existence of a substance use disorder does not and cannot excuse the endangerment of patients,” it said.
The association added that if concerns exist regarding a practitioner’s fitness to practise, immediate suspension from clinical duties should follow pending a formal assessment.
KMA further demanded that KMPDC immediately suspend the doctor’s licence and pursue permanent revocation where evidence supports such action.
It also urged the DPP to open a criminal inquiry without delay and called on the government, KMPDC and professional associations to strengthen peer-reporting mechanisms to enable medical practitioners to flag concerns about colleagues whose conduct may endanger patients.
The association reminded Kenyans that they have a right to verify whether their doctors and health facilities are properly licensed and registered through KMPDC verification systems before undergoing any surgical procedure.
“We owe it to this patient, his family, and every patient who places their trust in a member of our profession, to ensure that justice is served in full, and that the conditions that made this tragedy possible are not permitted to repeat,” KMA said.
