Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic death of an elderly patient at Coast General Hospital, allegedly caused by a disruption in the oxygen supply. The Governor has expressed his condolences to the grieving family and assured them that justice will be pursued.
The incident took place in Ward Six of the hospital, where the patient, identified as Kimanzi Mwangi, had been receiving treatment for a week. According to his family, his condition had improved until the oxygen supply was suddenly cut off to facilitate maintenance work. The disruption lasted for about 30 minutes, during which Mwangi’s condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to his death.
Governor Nassir met with the deceased’s family and promised a full investigation into the matter. He confirmed that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The family has commissioned a private pathologist, while both Coast General Hospital and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) are expected to submit comprehensive reports on the incident.
The Governor stressed that if any individual or entity is found responsible, they will face the full force of the law. He urged the family to remain patient as the reports are gathered, and reiterated the county government’s commitment to taking stern action against any hospital staff found negligent or complicit in the incident.
Family members of the deceased, led by Alfred Kimanzi, have expressed outrage at the hospital’s management, alleging that the oxygen supply was deliberately turned off. They also criticized the lack of a standby generator or an emergency evacuation plan for patients. According to the family, had the proper precautions been in place, the death could have been avoided.
The Kimanzi family has called for justice, with some members suggesting the incident should be treated as manslaughter, given the deliberate nature of the disruption. The investigation is expected to shed light on the events leading to the unfortunate death and hold those responsible accountable.
