The death of a young Kenyan man has raised serious concerns about patient safety and the weak control of illegal medical practices in the country.
Amos Isoka died after suffering severe complications from a tooth extraction done by an unqualified person at an illegal clinic in Kawangware, Nairobi.
His case has left his family in pain and sparked public debate about the failure of authorities to protect patients from fake health practitioners.
Isoka passed away on Wednesday evening while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. He had been admitted after developing serious swelling in his neck, tongue, and chest, which affected his breathing.
Doctors placed him in the critical care unit, where his condition remained unstable. Fifteen days after the botched procedure, his health worsened, and he died after suffering breathing complications despite medical efforts to save him.
His family learned of his death at the hospital and struggled to come to terms with the loss. His mother, Mary Nelima, described Amos as her only child and said he had left behind children who depended on him.
The family watched helplessly as his condition declined, hoping he would recover after undergoing two surgeries during his hospital stay.
A third operation had been planned, but his health deteriorated before it could be done.
According to his wife, Vivian Nekesa, doctors informed her that Amos needed a chest operation. Later, she was told that his heartbeat became weak during the night and eventually stopped.
Medical staff attempted to assist his breathing, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
He was pronounced dead around 3 am, leaving the family in shock and grief.
The dental procedure that led to his death was carried out at an unlicensed clinic by a person who reportedly admitted he was not a qualified dentist.
After the issue came to light, Isoka was rescued from the facility and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital. The clinic was operating illegally and had staff without proper medical training, exposing patients to serious risk.Health sector experts say this tragedy highlights deep problems in regulation and enforcement.
Tim Theuri, a director representing private health practitioners, said the case reflects a systemic failure involving many actors. He pointed out that facilities operating without licences and employing unqualified workers should not be allowed to exist, and owners must take responsibility for patient safety.
As the family prepares to take Isoka’s body to his rural home in Kapkoi village, Kitale, they are facing financial difficulties. They say they are struggling to clear hospital bills and burial expenses.
Nekesa appealed to the government for help so that her husband’s body can be transported home with dignity.
Isoka’s brother, Levi Isoka, expressed frustration and pain, saying the family feels wronged and wants justice. He added that the person responsible for the procedure treated them poorly and has not been held accountable.
Several dentists have warned that such cases are not rare. They say unqualified practitioners openly advertise cheap services on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Despite professionals paying annual fees for regulation and standards enforcement, weak oversight allows illegal clinics to continue operating.
Isoka’s body now lies at the Kenyatta National Hospital mortuary as the person responsible remains at large. His death has left unanswered questions about accountability, delayed arrests, and the urgent need to protect Kenyans from unsafe medical practices.
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