NAIROBI, Kenya – Chiromo Hospital Group has spoken out following the brutal murder of mental health advocate and nurse Dr. Susan Njoki—widely known as Dr. Toto—at its Braeside branch, calling the tragedy a turning point for the institution and the wider mental healthcare system.
In a public statement on Wednesday, Chiromo founder and prominent psychiatrist Dr. Frank Njenga described the killing as “a moment of reckoning,” expressing sorrow and a personal sense of loss over the death of a colleague he knew personally.
“A brilliant young woman died in our care. That demands more than sorrow. It demands truth,” said Dr. Njenga.
Dr. Njoki, founder of the Toto Touch organisation and a well-known mental health champion, was reportedly admitted to the hospital on Monday, July 15, under unclear circumstances.
Less than 24 hours later, she was dead. A postmortem conducted by six pathologists confirmed she died from manual strangulation.
Dr. Njenga said the hospital was fully cooperating with authorities and had launched an internal operational review to determine how such a fatal lapse could occur under their watch.
“We are actively engaged in self-introspection and reviewing our operational and procedural mandates. Our commitment is and has always been to be better and to do better for all our stakeholders and those in our care.”
He insisted that accountability must be central to the hospital’s response and called for transparency to ensure justice for Dr. Njoki.
“Truth is paramount to all other concerns in this case. We care for the vulnerable, and now we must prove it when it’s hardest to do so.”
According to reports, Dr. Njoki had a documented history of mental health treatment and was taken to the hospital against her will by four individuals. The hospital has not confirmed the identities of those who brought her in.
Her husband, Alloise Ngure, who is a person of interest in the case, was arrested and later released on cash bail.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with more arrests expected. Some suspects are believed to be in hiding.
In his tribute, Dr. Njenga praised Dr. Njoki’s contribution to mental health advocacy, noting her tireless efforts to support vulnerable communities.
“Dr. Toto’s voice of advocacy deserves to be heard, even now. The best way we honour her is by establishing the truth about her death in an open and transparent manner.”
He added that her legacy must not be tainted by unanswered questions, urging that her death galvanize reforms in mental health care, particularly around patient safety and rights.
“As one who worked with her in mental health advocacy, my sense of loss is both personal and professional. I hope and pray that her work will not have been in vain.”
Police investigations led by detectives from Kabete Police Station are ongoing. Chiromo Hospital says it has preserved all relevant records and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Dr. Njoki’s death has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny over mental healthcare practices in Kenya, particularly regarding involuntary admission, patient safety, and the rights of individuals under psychiatric care.
