KMPDU Reads Malice in Immediate Closure of Chiromo Hospital Following Susan Kamengere's Murder

• KMPDU secretary general Davji Atellah gave reasons for criticising the regulatory council over the abrupt Chiromo Braeside closure following Susan Kamengere's death
• He also questioned the council's directive to have all patients at the facility transferred, while citing other cases in national hospitals
• His statement came amid an ongoing probe into the death of Kamengere after the postmortem results triggered public uproar

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) secretary general, Davji Atellah, has raised concerns over the decision to shut down a branch of Chiromo Braeside Hospital in Lavington following the death of a patient, Susan Kamengere Njoki.

Kamengere, the CEO of Toto Touch, was strangled to death while receiving care at the facility, according to a postmortem report, sparking public outrage and prompting swift action from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).

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In a statement, the council ordered the immediate evacuation of all patients from the facility and suspended clinical operations to pave the way for thorough investigations and implementation of corrective measures.

What did Atellah say about Chiromo Braeside Hospital's closure?

However, Atellah accused the council of acting with bias and inconsistency.

In a strongly worded statement, he pointed out that similarly grave incidents at public hospitals such as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) did not prompt equivalent action.

“The KMPDC’s swift, drastic action against Chiromo’s branch highlights a troubling bias in regulation,” he said. “When alleged murders and negligence occurred at KNH—where patients’ throats were cut twice—there were no calls for evacuation or immediate closure. This immature, reactionary approach sets a dangerous precedent. We need effective, equitable, not emotional, regulation. Where do they expect the evacuated patients to go?”

While KMPDU acknowledged the need for accountability, it cautioned against setting a precedent that could destabilise healthcare service delivery and create panic among patients and providers.

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The union is now calling for balanced regulatory practices that uphold justice without compromising access to care.

Meanwhile, investigations by the KMPDC and other authorities are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of Kamengere’s death.

The council stated that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings, aimed at safeguarding the safety and rights of patients in all medical facilities.

How was Kamengere picked from her home?

Meanwhile, Kamangere claimed she was forcibly taken from her home by a team of nurses who allegedly entered her room and injected her without consent, acting on instructions from a doctor.

She stated that after the injection, she was taken away without explanation, describing the incident as similar to how detectives abruptly detain individuals.

According to her account, she was denied basic rights, including the chance to use the toilet, change her menstrual pad, make a phone call, or provide consent through a signed document.

The deceased expressed concern about the complete disregard for her dignity and privacy, particularly as a survivor of bipolar disorder.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke