The Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) has issued a statement defending Liza Karimi Riungu, a counseling psychologist, following the death of a nurse at her therapy facility.
KCPA noted that Karimi was unfairly scrutinized by the public following the unfortunate circumstances under which her patient died.
“KCPA wishes to address the recent event involving Liza Karimi Riungu, a counseling psychologist, who has been unfairly scrutinized by the general public in connection with the tragic death of her client while awaiting to be attended to by the counselor at her office premises in Embu,” read part of the statement.
This statement comes after a 28-year-old nurse from Embu who had gone to see the psychologist for therapy was found dead in a toilet at the facility on 9th March 2024.
The nurse who until her demise was working at Kiritiri Level 4 Hospital in Mbeere South Sub- County is suspected to have died of an overdose of prescription painkillers according to her therapist Liza Karimi.
Ms. Gota, who is a Counselor, said the nurse was her client and was coming for a counseling session since she had marital problems.
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KCPA Defends the Psychologist
KCPA noted that it is fully committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter and they are in constant communication with the member.
“We further wish to state that Ms. Riungu is cooperating fully with the investigation by the relevant agencies,” it said.
The association also urged the public and the media to wait for the completion of the investigation before drawing conclusions or passing blanket judgment.
“We implore our members, the media, and the general public to desist from reacting to unverified rumors, hence sacrificing the said practitioner at the altar of public opinion,” KCPA said.
“As professionals, we are committed to the fundamental principles of empathy, non-judgmental attitude, and unconditional positive regard as enshrined in our professional code of ethics.”
KCPA further acknowledged the complexities of human interactions and unforeseen circumstances that sometimes transpires.
“Our firm premise surrounding this unfortunate occurrence is that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes occur despite the best efforts of the practitioner,” read the statement.
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Liza Karimi, the Psychologist Speaks
According to the psychologists, the nurse contacted her clinic around 2:40 pm on 9th March 2024, but upon reaching there, she wasn’t at the expected waiting desk.
When the psychologist arrived at approximately 3:20 pm, she explains that she discovered her [deceased] in the restroom, with injected drugs beside her.
Contrary to assertions of suicide, the counselor denied such claims. “She had been dependent on a potent painkiller due to a chronic back issue and marital problems,” the counselor explained.
Her lifeless body was recovered lying on the floor after the toilet was broken into.
The body was ferried to Embu Level 5 Hospital morgue with the family commencing burial arrangements.
