A family in Baringo County is demanding justice following the death of their 17-year-old son, Jackson Temagura, who they allege died due to medical negligence and delayed treatment at a local hospital.
Tensions flared on Tuesday when the bereaved family stormed the facility, accusing hospital staff of failing to respond promptly to Jackson’s condition, which was later diagnosed as an intestinal obstruction. The family believes his life could have been saved had emergency care been administered in time.
According to the family, Jackson was referred from Kolowa Hospital on Monday evening and arrived at the facility at around 8 p.m., only to be informed that the X-ray machine was not functional. Forced to seek imaging services at a private facility, they returned to the hospital, but despite Jackson being admitted by 6 p.m., the family claims he was not taken for emergency surgery. The teenager died the next morning at 9:30 a.m..
The incident caused a temporary disruption of services at the hospital, as the grieving family demanded accountability and an investigation into the circumstances that led to Jackson’s death.
Hospital superintendent Dr. Gerrishon Abakalwa acknowledged the family’s grievances, citing equipment failure and overcrowding as contributing factors. “We regret the incident and are conducting a full investigation. If any staff are found culpable, necessary action will be taken,” he said.
The case has sparked renewed concerns over the state of public healthcare in rural Kenya, with locals urging the Ministry of Health and county government to urgently address staffing, equipment shortages, and emergency response systems in the region’s hospitals.
As the family prepares to lay their son to rest, calls for justice and improved healthcare delivery continue to grow across Baringo and beyond.
Written By Rodney Mbua
