Serious Non-Compliance: Govt On Probe Into Lucy Wambui's Death
The probe was initiated following the tragic incident which led to Wambui's death during the surgical procedure at Ominicare Medical Limited
Marvin Chege 
The Ministry of Health on Saturday, November 2 issued an update after completing the first round of investigations conducted at the health facility where Lucy Wambui passed away after a botched cosmetic surgery.
The probe was initiated following the tragic incident which led to Wambui's death during the surgical procedure at Ominicare Medical Limited, operating as "Body by Design" in Nairobi.
In a statement, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni revealed that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) conducted a comprehensive investigation into the facility's practices and standards.
The findings revealed serious non-compliance with medical institution regulations, specifically under Sections 4 and 15 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253).
Health PS Mary Muthoni speaking while chairing the National Taskforce on Mpox and Marburg Virus Disease on October 31, 2024. /MINISTRY OF HEALTH
"The inspection found that the facility was operating below the required medical standards, failing to meet patient safety regulations crucial for protecting the health and well-being of patients," the health PS disclosed.
In response, KMPDC ordered the immediate closure of the facility to ensure public safety until all necessary corrective actions are implemented to guarantee compliance with patient safety standards.
Additionally, PS Muthoni revealed that a thorough investigation is ongoing regarding the institution and the staff involved in Wambui treatment.
"The Council is examining the extent of culpability and determining the appropriate actions to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents of malpractice," she added.
"The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards through KMDC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of healthcare across Kenya and will continue to monitor compliance to protect the public. Updates on the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available."
The update came a day after the Ministry launched investigations to establish the circumstances leading to Wambui's death.
Wambui, before her death, was the wife of businessman Francis Ng'ang'a. She was reported to have undergone surgery at the cosmetic clinic Body by Design, which her family and friends blamed for her death.
On Thursday, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, accompanied by outraged residents, protested outside the offices of Body by Design Kenya in Nairobi, demanding answers following allegations of botched cosmetic surgeries. Sonko appealed to 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.
However, the facility filed a court application challenging a closure notice issued by KMPDC for its Lavington facility. While distancing itself from the allegations, the clinic argued that it is fully registered and in compliance with regulatory requirements, well-equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and has qualified surgeons.
Through Danstan Omari, the clinic narrated that Wambui underwent a successful procedure and was due to be discharged on October 17. However, she requested a voluntary extension of her stay, which the facility granted.
The deceased later complained of chest pains and was attended to by doctors and nurses at Omnicare and later discharged. She left the facility on October 22, 2024, after confirming that she was ready to be discharged on the recommendation of the facility’s doctor.
The management further stated that Wambui returned to the facility at 6 pm but the clinic was already closed for the day, but assigned a doctor who followed her to Nairobi Hospital where she died while undergoing a second procedure on October 26, 2024.
