Diana Chepngeno, who succumbed to injuries from bee stings. The case has raised serious concerns about the quality of medical care at the facility and has led to an ongoing investigation by health officials and local leaders who are demanding accountability.
The incident occurred when Diana, along with three other children, was rushed to Longisa Hospital after being stung by bees while playing at their home in Koitabai village. According to the child’s aunt, Joan Cherotich, the children were given an injection upon arrival but were left unattended for several hours despite their worsening condition, including facial swelling and visible discomfort. Cherotich revealed that they requested a transfer to Tenwek Hospital for specialized care but were only released after significant delays. By the time Diana arrived at Tenwek, her condition had deteriorated, and she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The family has accused the medical staff at Longisa Hospital of neglecting the children’s symptoms, assuming the effects of the bee stings would resolve on their own without further intervention. This alleged oversight is being cited as a major factor in Diana’s untimely death. The local community has expressed their anger and concern over what they view as a failure to act swiftly and appropriately to address the children’s medical needs.
A video that emerged on social media further intensified the public outcry. The footage shows Diana in apparent distress while nurses at the hospital appear engaged in conversation around a computer, raising questions about their attentiveness to the situation. This visual evidence has been widely shared, fueling outrage among community members and local leaders, who are now calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Governor Hillary Barchok, responding to the incident, has assured the public that an independent investigation is underway. The County Assembly and the Medical Board are conducting the probe to establish the circumstances surrounding Diana’s death and to determine if any medical negligence or malpractice occurred. Barchok emphasized that the investigation would be transparent and thorough, aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Health officials, led by Bomet County’s Health CEC Joseph Sitonik and Chief Officer Felix Langat, have visited Longisa Hospital to gather information and review the events leading up to the child’s death. Sitonik expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the need for changes in the hospital’s emergency response protocols. He assured the public that efforts would be made to address the identified shortcomings and to improve the standards of patient care.
The Department of Health Services issued a formal statement expressing their deep regret over the tragic passing of young Diana. “We deeply regret the tragic passing of young Diana Chepngeno after being attended to at Longisa Hospital. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement read. The department has promised to implement measures to improve emergency care, especially in cases involving serious medical conditions such as bee stings, which require immediate and specialized attention.
Local leaders have joined the family in demanding justice, with some calling for better healthcare infrastructure and more efficient medical personnel in the county. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the state of healthcare services in Bomet, with many questioning whether adequate resources, training, and protocols are in place to prevent such avoidable deaths.
This tragedy highlights the urgent need for improvements in the region’s medical services, particularly in rural hospitals like Longisa. As the investigation continues, the family and the community await answers, hoping that this heartbreaking incident will lead to meaningful changes that can prevent similar tragedies in the future.
