The proprietors and medical personnel of Body by Design Clinic are set to appear in court on Wednesday to take their plea in connection with the death of 47-year-old Lucy Wambui Kamau. The deceased passed away on October 6, 2024, due to complications arising just days after undergoing cosmetic surgery at the facility.
The suspects in the case include Robert Maweu Mutula, a surgeon; George Wakaria Njoroge; and Lilian Edna Wanjiru, the proprietor of Body by Design. The clinic itself, registered as Body by Design Hospital, has also been listed among the accused parties. They are all expected to face manslaughter charges.
Initially, the suspects were scheduled to take their plea on Tuesday, but they failed to appear in court. This absence prompted Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Temu to direct them to be present in court by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The prosecution, led by Maryanne Mwangi and Samson Ngetich, is expected to present its case against the accused individuals.
The charges stem from the death of Lucy Wambui Kamau at Omnicare Medical Limited, also known as Body by Design, located on Kabarsiran Avenue in Nairobi County. Her passing has raised concerns about medical standards and patient safety at cosmetic surgery clinics operating in the country.
Authorities have been investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, focusing on whether negligence or malpractice played a role. The upcoming court session is expected to shed light on the findings of these investigations and determine the legal course for the accused parties.
The case has drawn significant public interest, with concerns growing over the regulation of cosmetic surgery facilities in Kenya. Many are calling for stricter oversight to ensure the safety of patients undergoing elective medical procedures.
If found guilty of manslaughter, the accused could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. The outcome of this case is expected to set a precedent for medical accountability in Kenya’s cosmetic surgery industry.
The hearing is set to take place at the Nairobi Law Courts, where all eyes will be on the judicial proceedings to see how the justice system handles this high-profile case.
