County Admits Failures in Death After Illegal Clinic Surgery

Trans Nzoia County has finally addressed the tragic death of 22-year-old Brian Simiyu, acknowledging significant failures that contributed to the young farmhand’s demise after an unauthorized surgical procedure at an unlicensed clinic in Kitale.
According to official county communications, Simiyu was transported to the illegal facility on May 17, 2026, by his employer. A county government medical worker reportedly conducted an exploratory laparotomy (extensive abdominal operation) on him at this location.
The patient was sent home the following day, but quickly exhibited severe health issues. Family members observed an unpleasant odor emanating from the surgical incision. He was transported to Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, though intensive care unit services were not accessible. On May 25, he was moved to Tophill Hospital for ICU treatment and dialysis. Sadly, Brian Simiyu passed away in the early hours of May 28, 2026, due to septicemia (blood infection) and acute renal failure.
In a statement released Saturday May 30, 2026, the county government recognized substantial systemic shortcomings, including: the surgical procedure occurring in an unregistered and non-compliant establishment, absence of appropriate surgical facilities, anesthesia equipment, and infection control protocols, and a grave professional and ethical violation by a county medical practitioner.
The County Administration indicates it is implementing specific actions to remedy the identified shortcomings and stop comparable occurrences from happening again.