Silverio Omari
The Ministry of Health is investigating the death of Nairobi-based Instagram celebrity Lucy Wambui, who passed away following complications from a plastic surgery procedure at a local clinic.
Wambui, a social media influencer, underwent cosmetic surgery at Omnicare Medical Clinic, also known as Body by Design, and was discharged on October 18. However, she soon felt unwell and returned to the facility, where she was then referred to a major city hospital. After undergoing another surgery, she passed away in the ICU four days later. Wambui was the wife of prominent businessman Francis Ng’ang’a, CEO of Valley Road Motors and Village Market Auto Bazaar, and was a mother of two.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health expressed “deep concern” over Wambui’s death, noting it followed complications from the surgery. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding her death.
As part of the investigation, KMPDC has temporarily closed the clinic’s plastic surgery and body-sculpting services. “A team has been dispatched to conduct a fact-finding mission to assess whether the facility met the required professional standards in her care,” Muthoni stated, adding that any evidence of malpractice would be met with appropriate action.
The ministry, through the State Department for Professional Standards, reaffirmed its commitment to high-quality healthcare, emphasizing that robust frameworks are in place to regulate healthcare services and uphold ethical standards.
In a statement, Omnicare Medical Clinic conveyed its condolences and affirmed that Wambui had been discharged in good health. “Our team is cooperating fully with the authorities for an objective review. To respect the family’s privacy and allow the investigation to proceed, we are unable to provide further details.”
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also mourned Wambui, offering condolences to her husband, Ng’ang’a, and recalling her support during his political campaigns.
KMPDC recently reported that surgeries account for the majority of medical complaints in Kenya. An analysis of complaints from 2019 to 2023 showed that 26% were related to obstetrics and gynecology, followed by 12% in general surgery, and 11% in internal medicine. KMPDC Chief Executive Dr. David Kariuki noted that patients increasingly report complaints about charges, with billing issues representing the fourth-largest category of complaints.
Dj Vnyash
