CALL FOR JUSTICE

Emmanuel Juma

family in Eldoret is now calling for justice following the death of their daughter in a case of alleged medical negligence.

5-year-old Anita Jepkorir died in 2021, with the post mortem report indicating that the minor died due to lack of oxygen. The family accused doctors at the Moi Teaching and referral hospital of failing to remove an object that was blocking their daughter’s breathing system leading to her death.

Anita developed breathing complications after inhaling a flower seed,  prompting her parents to seek surgery for the minor at the moi teaching and referral hospital .

After discharge, the family says Anitas condition did not improve .

The post motem report released on 26th of may 2021, asfixia a condition where the body lack oxygen was identified as the main cause of death. Further, the report showed that other body organs including the lungs had significant damage ..

The family accused the hospital and the doctors of negligence.

The family lodged a complaint at the kenya medical practitioners and dentist council against five respondents, including dr Alfred Wanyonyi, Dr steven ondigo, the cadiothoracic surgion who conducted the procedures, as well as the Moi teaching and referral hospital. 

In his submissions Dr steve ondigo  indicated that the foreign body on the right bronchures could not come out, prompting him to undertake a thoracotomy, where he retrieved a tooth .He further explained to the council that he adhered to the standards of care, and that there was neither malice or bad intent during the management of Anita chepkorir.

In its ruling, the Kmpdc aquited three doctors of negligence .On the other hand however, dr Steven Ondigo and the Moi teaching and referral hospital were directed to mediate with the estate of the late Anita chepkorir, with a view of making a restitution. They were to report back to the council within 90days,  but Anitas family says they did not agree with the ruling .