Police officers were forced to fire in the air during the burial ceremony of three-year-old Diana Chepng’eno.
Chepng’eno died after allegedly receiving poor medical care and medical negligence at the Longisa County Referral Hospital in Bomet, after being stung by a swarm of bees.
The funeral was hijacked by clashes between supporters of Governor Hillary Bachok and those aligned with Senator Hillary Sigei, bringing the funeral service to an abrupt halt.
The Senator and his supporters demanded that the governor fire the Heath County Executive Committee Member over the death of the three-year-old.
Also Read: Family of Child Left to Die by Laughing Nurses Speaks Out
Police Forced to Fire in the Air
Tensions escalated at the funeral when those opposing the governor’s supporters demanded the immediate dismissal of the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in charge of health and accused the governor’s administration of failing to ensure quality healthcare services in the county.
Moreover, the confrontations quickly turned chaotic, forcing police officers present to fire in the air to disperse the agitated crowd.
The disruption cut short planned speeches, including remarks from various politicians who graced the event.
“There have been a lot of problems at this hospital. And in fact, it was a wake-up call when we lost this little girl. It was just the tip of the iceberg.
We saw the reactionary measures which the governor took, by shifting staff here and there. Some people had been sleeping on the floor, “Bomet East MP Richard Yegon said.
Also Read: Health Officer Confirms Death of Child Neglected by Laughing Nurses
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The Death of Diana Chepng’eno.
The incident sparked outrage online after a video was circulated showing the child writhing in pain in the hospital bed, while nurses were laughing in the background.
Her family has alleged that Ruth’s death was a result of neglect by hospital staff.
Speaking to the press on Monday, November 11, her Aunt Joan Cherotich narrated the ordeal of the fateful day, saying that Ruth was among four children who were severely stung by bees.
“We told them to give us a referral and we took both children to Tenwek Hospital. But one of them was in a worse condition and she did not make it.
“The other child was attended to at Tenwek and doing better. The baby was left unattended for a very long time. We begged for help but nobody helped us,” she narrated.
On the other hand, Joseph Sitonik, Bomet Health County Executive Committee Member (CECM) said that the county government was conducting its investigations into the matter.
“The people in casualties consulted their seniors and they advised that the children are referred to Tenwek. The family decided to take the child to the hospital on their own. But we learnt that one of the children succumbed,” said Sitonik.
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