Kiambu family cries for justice after 11-month-old baby dies due to alleged medical negligence

A family from Turiru Village in Kiambu County is appealing for streamlining of health services in order to avert loss of life.

This comes after their 11-month-old baby died, after he reportedly failed to get the necessary medical attention.

A video clip that went viral on social media earlier this week showed James Muiruri carrying his grandson who died on Tuesday after he reportedly failed to get medical attention.

The baby had trouble breathing and the family says they were informed that the baby had developed pneumonia.

“Aliekewa hewa nikauliza mtu ako hapo hewa ni dawa akasema hapana kuna dawa na pneumonia..hapo nikajua hakuna matibabu mtoto anapewa,” said Muiruri.

Due to the doctors’ strike at Igegania Hospital, the baby was to be transferred to a private facility. However, things took a turn for the worst as the family could not marshall the required fees. They also failed to secure an ambulance.

Regina Wanjiku, the baby’s mother, said: “Walisema wanataka 20K ndio mtoto aadmitiwe nikawambia sina ata nilikuwa tu na mia nne kwa simu.”

Muiruri added: “Hasira yangu ilipanda kwa sababu mtoto aliishia kufa kwa mkono yangu nikimbembeleza na nikibembeleza dereva wa ambulance.”

The family is still processing the grief; a dysfunctional health system robbed James Muiruri a chance to celebrate his first birthday, and his family the chance to raise him.