By Tony Wafula, Bungoma
Bungoma Childrens hospital has expressed condolences to the family of three-year-old Leila Mutenyo, who died during an adenotonsillectomy procedure at the facility, pledging full cooperation with investigations into the incident.
The hospital’s director, Dr. Dickens Lubanga, said the facility deeply regretted the loss and was committed to supporting the bereaved family as it seeks answers surrounding the child’s death.
Dr. Lubanga said a post-mortem examination conducted in the presence of a pathologist appointed by the family established sudden cardiac arrest during the operation as the primary cause of death.
He said the findings, together with the medical and procedural records, would inform a comprehensive internal review aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We wish to express our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family. The loss of a young child is a profound tragedy and our entire hospital community shares in their grief,” Dr. Lubanga said.
He maintained that established clinical protocols were observed before and during the procedure, which was conducted by an experienced medical team comprising a senior ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon with more than 20 years of experience and an equally experienced anaesthesiologist from a national referral hospital.
Dr. Lubanga said the hospital would continue cooperating with relevant regulatory authorities and investigative agencies to ensure transparency and help the family understand what happened.
“We stand unreservedly with the family during this difficult moment and remain committed to offering every possible assistance to help them find clarity, understanding and closure,” he said.
The hospital said it would uphold patient safety standards while reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, the child’s father, Johnson Wafula, alleged that Leila had been taken to the facility for a medical check-up before she died during the procedure.
Further, Wafula said that the family wants to understand how the toddler died during the medical procedure.
