Kenya Breaking News Breaking News Now
A doctor at Mombasa’s Pandya Memorial Hospital is under investigation following disturbing allegations of repeatedly sexually assaulting a female dialysis patient during her treatment sessions. The incidents, reported to have occurred between late 2024 and early 2025, were disclosed by the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), sparking outrage over ethical breaches and institutional negligence.
Survivor’s Harrowing Account
The survivor, a woman reliant on regular dialysis, described being targeted during early morning appointments while in a physically vulnerable state. She alleged the physician subjected her to inappropriate remarks, physical groping, and eventual rape during her treatments. Despite repeatedly reporting the abuse to hospital staff, her pleas were allegedly ignored, enabling the assaults to persist unchecked. Hospital authorities have yet to dispute her claims.
FIDA-Kenya Condemns Systemic Failures
FIDA-Kenya issued a scathing rebuke, labeling the acts as violations of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act (2006), medical ethics, and the patient’s constitutional right to safety. The organization criticized the hospital’s leadership for dismissing the survivor’s complaints, accusing them of complicity through inaction. “This case reflects a catastrophic institutional failure,” FIDA-Kenya stated. “The hospital’s negligence endangered a patient’s life and dignity, betraying the trust inherent in healthcare.”
Legal Repercussions and Demands
The accused physician faces severe penalties under multiple statutes:
Sexual Offences Act (2006): Mandates a minimum 10-year sentence, with potential life imprisonment for rape.
–Penal Code (Cap 63): Allows charges of neglect against hospital management.
Health Act (2017) and Medical Practitioners Act: Permit license revocation for facilities violating patient safety protocols.
FIDA-Kenya has urged Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to expedite the doctor’s arrest and prosecution. They also demand accountability for staff who ignored the survivor’s reports.
Civil Action and Policy Reform
In addition to criminal proceedings, FIDA-Kenya plans to file a civil suit against Pandya Memorial Hospital, seeking compensation for the survivor’s trauma and institutional negligence. Within days, the organization will submit formal demands to Mombasa’s Health Department, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and the Ministry of Health, urging stricter safeguards to prevent patient exploitation.
Broader Implications
This case underscores systemic vulnerabilities in healthcare settings, particularly for chronically ill patients. Advocates stress the urgent need for transparent reporting mechanisms, staff training on patient rights, and stringent oversight to uphold ethical standards. As legal actions unfold, the survivor’s ordeal has reignited calls for accountability in Kenya’s medical sector, emphasizing that patient safety must transcend institutional reputations.
