Photo showing CS Nakhumicha 'in an Operating Room without protective gear’ is misleading

Amid public debates on the topic, a picture of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakuhimcha, and other ministry officials said to be taken in an Operating Room (OR) in Kiambu County has been widely shared on social media.

It has since attracted criticism towards the CS and Health Director General Patrick Amoth (who was in her company). The critics have condemned Nakhumicha and her team for not wearing protective gear in the OR, as required in the medical profession.

However, a fact-check by Citizen Digital shows the photo shared was not taken in an OR in Kiambu County, neither was it taken in 2024.

The picture was taken during the CS’ visit to the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) on November 14, 2022.

Accompanied by Amoth, KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch and the college Board Directors the CS was in the institution’s Sim Lab, and not an actual OR room. In such exercises, dummies are used.

The photo has attracted condemnation from health practitioners and other Kenyans on X.

“If you're a surgeon and find a group of people storming your theatre like this (whoever they are), how would you respond? Ok, as a patient, if you know that? In the photo is @Nakhumicha_S, the person responsible for healthcare in Kenya! Comments?,” wrote one Dr. Francis, who identifies himself as a surgery resident.

Renowned columnist Gabriel Oguda wrote;

“You guys. The Minister for Health, in a PR show to prove that doctors aren't on strike, stormed into an Operating Room without the necessary personal protective equipment. Bwana, what country is this?” 

Another user named Sina Source also claimed the CS intereptud a surgical procedure. 

“Today @Nakhumicha_S  decided she will disrupt an ongoing surgery in a theatre ndio muone madaktari wako kazi.She did it all for you beloved. Hope muliona.”