NAIROBI — The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has shut down operations at Chiromo Group of Hospitals following the death of nurse and mental health advocate Susan Kamengere Njoki. Susan Njoki died under controversial circumstances after what authorities have termed a forced admission to the facility. A postmortem conducted at Nairobi City Mortuary on July 22 confirmed she died from injuries consistent with manual strangulation.
In a public statement released Wednesday, KMPDC confirmed it had initiated a full investigation into the incident and ordered the hospital to immediately evacuate all patients and suspend medical services. ‘The Council has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Susan Kamengere Njoki, who was under the care of Chiromo Group of Hospitals,’ the statement read. ‘To facilitate this process, the facility’s branch involved has been directed to cease all clinical services and discharge all admitted patients.’
Susan Njoki, a registered nurse and founder of the mental health nonprofit Toto Touch, had previously shared on social media that four individuals sent by her husband, Alloise Ngure, took her from her home in Kileleshwa against her will. She was later admitted to Chiromo under disputed circumstances.
Ngure was arrested by police and released on cash bail after providing a statement to investigators.
Chiromo Group CEO Dr. Vincent Hongo said the hospital is “fully cooperating with authorities,” adding that all patient records related to Njoki’s treatment had been preserved and shared with investigators. “We are committed to transparency and accountability during this difficult time,” Hongo said Tuesday.
Earlier reports had suggested Njoki’s death was linked to her existing medical condition. However, forensic findings contradicted those claims, pointing to trauma inflicted by physical force.
Susan Njoki’s death has sparked renewed scrutiny of how mental health patients are handled in medical institutions and the role of family members in involuntary treatment. Advocates have raised questions about accountability, patient consent, and systemic gaps in the mental healthcare system.
KMPDC said it is working with other relevant agencies to determine liability and ensure necessary corrective actions are taken.
The late Susan Njoki had been widely recognized for her work in supporting mental health awareness, particularly among women and youth. Her death has drawn public outcry and calls for reforms to protect patients’ rights during psychiatric treatment. Investigations remain ongoing.
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