The recent death of Lucy Wambui has ignited a legal and regulatory storm surrounding Body By Design, a cosmetic clinic located in Nairobi. Following Wambui’s passing after a botched liposuction procedure on October 16, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) swiftly shut down the clinic, citing serious health violations, including operating without proper licensing and employing unqualified practitioners.
Social media influencer Lucy Wambui /X (TWITTER)
In response to the closure, Omnicare Medical, which owns Body By Design, has filed an urgent court application to contest the KMPDC’s decision. The clinic argues that the regulatory body acted prematurely and without conclusive evidence linking it to Wambui’s tragic death. The High Court has scheduled a hearing for December 12 to address these claims and determine the future of the clinic.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced a nationwide crackdown on illegal cosmetic surgery facilities in light of Wambui’s death. This initiative aims to ensure that all medical establishments adhere to stringent health regulations and safety standards. Investigations into Body By Design revealed alarming deficiencies, including allegations that the clinic failed to maintain essential safety protocols, prompting widespread public outcry and calls for accountability from community leaders and health advocates.
Wambui’s family has expressed their devastation over her untimely death, asserting that she experienced severe complications post-surgery. According to family members, she suffered from chest pains and difficulty breathing shortly after the procedure, leading to her eventual death at Nairobi Hospital on October 26. Autopsy results indicated acute pneumonia likely caused by untreated bacterial infection, raising significant questions about the standard of care provided at Body By Design.
The case has garnered significant media attention and sparked discussions about the regulation of cosmetic surgery in Kenya. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of health standards to protect patients from potential harm. Critics argue that the rapid growth of the cosmetic surgery industry in Kenya has outpaced regulatory measures, leaving many clinics operating in a legal grey area.
As investigations continue, Body By Design maintains its innocence, insisting it is a fully licensed medical facility with nearly a decade of operation. The clinic asserts that it adheres to all necessary regulations and has provided safe procedures for its clients. However, the KMPDC’s findings have raised concerns about the qualifications of some staff members and whether appropriate medical oversight was in place during procedures.
This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the cosmetic surgery sector in Kenya. Health experts are advocating for enhanced training for practitioners, stricter licensing requirements, and regular inspections of clinics to prevent future tragedies. As this legal battle unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how it impacts not only Body By Design but also the broader landscape of cosmetic surgery regulation in the country.
