Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued a statement setting the record straight about the demise of Daniel Chacha following a public outcry.
Chacha, a University of Nairobi Medical Registrar attached to the hospital’s obstetrics and Gynecology Department, became the subject of debate after claims emerged that he lost his life at the facility over lack of medical funds, faulting the Social Health Authority (SHA) and that KNH had detained his body over Ksh300,000.
In their response via their official X account on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, KNH which disputes the claims circulating, detailed that Chacha was referred from a hospital in Kitengela on Monday, March 10, 2025, and upon his arrival at the facility he was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Department in critical condition.
Doctors conducted a diagnosis and discovered that he had severe liver and kidney conditions.
KNH stated that he was promptly admitted and accorded urgent medical attention despite not being registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“A multidisciplinary team comprising liver and kidney specialists worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, requiring admission to the Critical Care Unit,” KNH added.
KNH which has described Chacha’s condition as complex, went on to state that his state worsened despite efforts by the specialists, leading to his death on Friday, March 14, 2025.
The hospital insists that despite Chacha’s complex illness, he received standard care throughout his stay at the facility.
Additionally, KNH dismissed reports that the facility had detained Chacha’s body noting that the body was released and ferried to Migori on Saturday, March 15 2025.
The facility also sent condolence messages to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased, reiterating their commitment to providing quality and specialized healthcare to patients.
“Contrary to allegations circulating in some media outlets and statements by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials, KNH did not detain his body. It was released from the KNH farewell Home to the family and transported to Migori County on Saturday, March 15, 2025,” the facility added.
