A tragic incident unfolded in Eldoret after a 53-year-old cancer patient who went missing from a local hospital was discovered dead, his body mauled by stray dogs. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death.
The patient, who was suffering from throat cancer, was admitted to the hospital but mysteriously went missing on the night of January 21, 2025. According to Uasin Gishu County police commander Benjamin Mwanthi, the man had removed his hospital garments, put on his clothes, and walked out of the facility unnoticed. His disappearance was reported by both the hospital and his family, prompting the police to launch a search operation.
Two days later, on January 23, his decomposing body was found in a bushy area near a river approximately one kilometer from the hospital. Stray dogs had significantly mutilated the remains, leaving only skeletal parts in some areas. Mwanthi confirmed that the family was called to the scene before the body was moved to a local morgue.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have taken over the case to determine the sequence of events leading to the patient’s death. Authorities are particularly questioning how the man managed to leave the hospital without being noticed by security personnel. Statements have been recorded from hospital staff and security guards to establish whether negligence played a role.
Mwanthi emphasized the importance of understanding how the patient exited through the hospital’s back side undetected. “We are reviewing the hospital’s security protocols and questioning staff to determine if there was any lapse in surveillance that allowed the patient to leave unnoticed,” he stated.
The incident has raised concerns about patient safety in hospitals, especially for those in vulnerable conditions. The hospital administration is expected to provide a detailed report on the security measures in place at the time of the disappearance.
The discovery of the patient’s body has sent shockwaves through the community. Residents expressed concerns over the growing number of stray dogs in the area, calling for immediate action from local authorities to control them.
Meanwhile, the family is in mourning, seeking justice and answers regarding the tragic loss of their loved one. As investigations continue, authorities urge hospitals to strengthen security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
