Body by Design employees to face manslaughter charges over Lucy Ng'ang'a's death

Four staff members at the Body by Design Clinic in Nairobi are set to face manslaughter charges on Wednesday over the death of Lucy Wambui Kananu, a patient undergoing plastic surgery last year.

The suspects, Robert Maweu Mutula, a surgeon; George Wakaria Njoroge; Lilian Edna Wanjiru, the proprietor of Body by Designy by Design hospital were expected to appear in court on Tuesday for plea taking, but missed the court appearance.

“The suspects were initially scheduled to take their plea today but missed the court appearance, prompting the court to reschedule the hearing for tomorrow,” stated the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

Kibera Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Temu directed the suspects to be in court by 9:00 am.

The quartet are facing charges related to the death of Lucy on October 6, 2024, at Omnicare Medical Limited, also known as Body by Design, located on Kabarsiran Avenue in Nairobi.

Lucy died while seeking beauty services at the Clinic, which was marketed as a health clinic. However, government documents revealed it to be a beauty spa later.

The closure was due to several violations, including unlawfully operating a health institution without the necessary license, failing to meet required medical standards, and not adhering to patient safety regulations. 

An autopsy report indicated that Lucy passed away due to complications reportedly stemming from cosmetic procedures performed at the facility.