The owners of Nairobi’s Body by Design clinic are set to face manslaughter charges following the tragic death of Lucy Wambui Ng’ang’a after a botched cosmetic procedure.
Legal Action Against Clinic Owners
On April 1, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) announced that the two clinic owners and a surgeon will take a plea at the Kibera Law Courts on April 2. This decision follows their failure to appear in court as initially scheduled, prompting the judge to issue directives for their mandatory attendance.
“The suspects were supposed to take their plea today but failed to appear, leading the court to reschedule their hearing for tomorrow,” the DPP stated.
Potential Legal Consequences
Senior Principal Magistrate Temu directed the accused to appear before the court by 9:00 AM on Wednesday. If found guilty, they could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Investigation into Lucy Ng’ang’a’s Death
Lucy Ng’ang’a died on October 26 after suffering complications from liposuction surgery. Medical reports attribute her death to perforated intestines, allegedly caused by the procedure.
Following her death, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched a probe, which included a raid at the clinic and the interrogation of staff. CCTV footage was seized for further analysis to determine the events leading up to the fatal complications.
Closure of the Clinic
Authorities, including the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, ordered the closure of Body by Design for failing to meet medical standards and patient safety regulations.
Final Farewell
Lucy Ng’ang’a was laid to rest in November 2024 in a ceremony attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, as investigations into her death continued.
