Kiambu County fires 4 doctors, nurse, clinical officer after 11-month-old baby dies

The Kiambu County government has fired and replaced several healthcare workers at igegania Level Four Hospital following the tragic death of an 11-month-old boy who was denied treatment last week.

According to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services Dr. Elias Maina, an internal investigation confirmed that four doctors, a nurse, and a clinical officer failed to respond when the boy was brought to the hospital, despite repeated calls for help.

Their inaction led to the boy’s death, prompting immediate disciplinary action and termination of employment.

"Every life is precious, life is sacred, and there is no price we can put into life including of a child. all those who were involved, either they managed or treated the patient, and those who were not available to treat the patient....we have identified four doctors and we have taken them through the disciplinary process, and the process has been concluded. they have been summarily dismissed. and to ensure that services continue in the hospital, we have immediately replaced them with other equally qualified doctors who are ready and willing to work," said Dr. Maina.

The deceased baby’s grandfather, James Muiruri, on his part stated: “Hakuna mtu amekuja hapa kuniambia ya kwamba ati anafanya kazi Igegania, hakuna hata mmoja… nilibahatika na nikapata simu ya gavana wetu tukaongea.”

“Nilikuwa naomba hata nipewe mtungi moja mobile, nilikuwa nimepewa magari matatu na watu wazuri, kuomba nipewe mtungi wa hewa na tuweke mtoto wangu tupeleke hospitali hata ikiwa ni ya private."

A video clip that went viral on social media showed Muiruri carrying his grandson who died on Tuesday after he reportedly failed to get medical attention.

The baby had trouble breathing and the family said they were informed that the baby had developed pneumonia.

“Aliekewa hewa nikauliza mtu ako hapo hewa ni dawa akasema hapana kuna dawa na pneumonia..hapo nikajua hakuna matibabu mtoto anapewa,” Muiruri told Citizen TV last week.

Due to the doctors’ strike at Igegania hospital, the baby was to be transferred to a private facility. However, things took a turn for the worst as the family could not marshall the required fees. They also failed to secure an ambulance.