NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has ordered the immediate closure of Chiromo Hospital Group’s Braeside branch in Nairobi following the death of a patient who was allegedly strangled inside the facility.
An autopsy conducted by six pathologists confirmed that 33-year-old Susan Njoki died from manual strangulation, approximately four hours after her last meal on Tuesday.
The incident occurred just a day after she was admitted to the psychiatric facility without her consent.
In a directive issued to the hospital’s management, KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki said preliminary findings pointed to the possible involvement of a staff member in the death, prompting the urgent shutdown.
“This closure is intended to ensure patient safety and restore public confidence in the health system,” said Dr. Kariuki. “The hospital must cease all clinical services and evacuate all patients within 24 hours of receiving this notice.”
The council has also instructed Chiromo Braeside to submit copies of the autopsy report, Njoki’s medical records, and a detailed report on measures taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The orders were issued under Rule 8 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Inquiry and Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules, 2022, and CAP 253 of the Laws of Kenya.
Njoki’s death has sent shockwaves through the mental health community, especially after her social media posts emerged alleging that her husband, Alloise Ngure, had forcibly committed her to the facility.
She claimed four doctors had injected her and taken her to Chiromo against her will.
Dr. Frank Njenga, the founder of Chiromo Hospital Group and a well-known psychiatrist, issued a statement expressing sorrow over Njoki’s death, which he described as “a moment of reckoning” for both the facility and the broader mental health sector.
“The death of Susan Njoki is heartbreaking. I knew her personally, and this tragedy must push us to reflect on our systems,” said Dr. Njenga.
He added that the hospital is cooperating fully with investigators and has launched an internal audit of its procedures and staff conduct.
The case has reignited public scrutiny of mental health facilities in Kenya and raised questions about involuntary psychiatric admissions, patient rights, and the quality of care in private institutions.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
