The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Wednesday, March 19 issued a statement clarifying on the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr Daniel Ndege Chacha.
Dr Chacha was a University of Nairobi Medical Registrar attached to KNH’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.
His death raised alarm after reports indicated that when he fell ill two weeks ago, KNH denied him medical attention because he couldn’t afford it. Reports that the biggest referral hospital in East and Central Africa now strongly refute.
According KNH CEO Evanson Kamuri, Dr. Chacha was referred to KNH from a hospital in Kitengela on Monday, March 10, 2025. Upon arrival, Kamuri says that he was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Department in critical condition.
Doctors would then diagnose him with severe liver and kidney conditions. “Despite not being registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), KNH facilitated his immediate registration and promptly admitted him and ensured he received urgent medical attention as required,” Kamuri says in the statement.
The facility reports that a multidisciplinary team comprising liver and kidney specialists worked tirelessly to stabilise Dr Chacha’s condition. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, requiring admission to the Critical Care Unit.
“Despite the efforts by our team of specialists, Dr. Chacha unfortunately succumbed to his illness on Friday, March 14, 2025. His family was immediately notified.”
KNH says that Dr. Chacha’s illness was complex, but he received the highest standard of care throughout his stay at the hospital.
“Contrary to allegations circulating in some media outlets and statements by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentist Union (KMPDU) officials, KNH did not detain his body,” KNH says, adding that it was “released from the KNH Farewell Home to the family and transported to Migori County on Saturday, March 15, 2025.”
The hospital has extended its condolences to Dr Chacha’s family, friends, and colleagues. “His passing is a loss to the medical fraternity and the many patients he served. We remain committed to providing quality, specialized healthcare services to all our patients.”
