The Kenyan government has ordered a 30-day crackdown on illegal medical spas after the death of Lucy Wambui, 47, following a botched liposuction procedure at Omnicare Medical on October 16. Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced raids on unethical facilities, which she said put Kenyans’ lives at risk. Authorities closed the clinic Body by Design, also known as Omnicare Medical Ltd.
Dr. David Kariuki, CEO of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), confirmed the clinic’s closure. He said the clinic failed to meet health and safety standards. “We closed the facility until they comply with specific requirements,” Dr. Kariuki explained. He added that the KMPDC team is reviewing the clinic’s treatment of Wambui.
In a letter seen by Nation, Muthoni instructed KHPOA CEO Dr. Jackson Kioko to coordinate the crackdown. This is by thorough assessment of facilities and submit a report within 30 days. Nganga, who was discharged on October 22, died four days later. The postmortem revealed acute pneumonia caused by an untreated bacterial infection. Dr. Johansen Oduor, the Chief Government Pathologist, noted a lack of proper follow-up care.
Muthoni confirmed that several health agencies would assess similar facilities to prevent further incidents. Tributes, including one from former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, poured in. Authorities promised stricter measures against medical malpractice to protect patients.
