KNH: Dr Chacha received highest standard of care

KNH Chief Executive Officer Evanson Kamuri

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued a statement addressing concerns 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.

According to KNH, Dr Chacha was referred from a hospital in Kitengela on March 10 in critical condition.

Upon arrival, he was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Department, where he was diagnosed with severe liver and kidney conditions.

Despite not being registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), KNH facilitated his immediate registration to ensure he received urgent medical care.

“A team of specialists, including liver and kidney experts, worked tirelessly to stabilise his condition,” the hospital said in a statement.

However, as his health deteriorated, he was admitted to the Critical Care Unit.

“Despite extensive medical efforts, Dr Chacha succumbed to his illness on March 14. His family was immediately notified,” KNH stated.

The hospital refuted claims by some media outlets and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) that it had detained his body.

It confirmed that his remains were released to the family on March 15 and transported to Migori County for burial.

Expressing condolences, KNH CEO Dr Evanson Kamuri emphasized that Dr Chacha received the highest standard of care.

“His passing is a great loss to the medical fraternity and the patients he served,” the statement read.

KNH reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality, specialised healthcare services and urged the public to rely on verified information.

According to the Daily Nation, the 37-year-old doctor, who was training as a specialist at the University of Nairobi’s KNH Campus, initially sought care at KNH but was reportedly denied treatment due to a lack of medical cover.

He then turned to a local hospital, where his condition worsened. By the time he was referred back to KNH, it was too late.

Dr Chacha, who was not on a salary, survived by doing locum work to sustain his family while making remittances to SHA.

Dr Dennis Miskellah, Deputy Secretary General of KMPDU, claimed that Dr. Chacha was mismanaged at the local hospital before being admitted to KNH, where he spent a week in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).