This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Coptic Hospital Rape Scandal: Patients Left in Agony ¶
Published on July 11, 2020
On July 3, 2020, Lucy, a patient at Coptic Hospital in Nairobi, was raped by hospital staff while she was under sedation for her liver cancer treatment.
Lucy, who has chosen to remain anonymous for her safety, was initially treated at Outspan Hospital in Nyeri for liver cancer, which was a recurrence of an earlier breast cancer she had battled successfully in 2019.
After being referred to Coptic Hospital, Lucy was admitted on July 1, 2020, and underwent treatment for her cancer. However, on the night of July 3, 2020, she was sedated and raped by hospital staff, who were on duty at the time.
Lucy only discovered what had happened when she took a shower on the morning of July 4, 2020. She immediately reported the incident to Dr. Andrew Odhiambo, the resident oncologist, and the doctor assigned to her, who promised to take up the issue with the management.
However, no feedback was received, and it was only after Lucy persisted with her plea that the in-house gynecologist came and did tests. Unfortunately, the gynecologist went missing, and the results were never received.
Lucy was eventually released from the hospital on July 6, 2020, after a day-long and intentionally delayed release process. She immediately proceeded to Nairobi Women's Hospital, where she underwent urine and gynecologist swap tests, which confirmed that she had been raped.
The cannula used during the suspicious injection on July 6, 2020, tested positive for cocaine, indicating that Lucy had been injected with the narcotic substance.
Lucy then reported the case to the police at Kilimani Police Station, where her statement and that of her daughter were taken. The officers directed Lucy to come back the following day to see the Directorate of Criminal Investigation Officer in charge.
When Lucy went back, the DCI officer, Margaret Katei Muthui, listened to her case and proceeded to Coptic Hospital and Nairobi Women's Hospital to carry out investigations.
As of July 10, 2020, further communication was expected from the authorities.
Lucy's case highlights a disturbing trend of abuse at Coptic Hospital, where patients are left vulnerable and helpless. Her cry for justice goes out to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, Ministry of Health, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union, FIDA, and all other relevant authorities to intervene and rescue this innocent Kenyan.
