DPP APPROVES MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES AGAINST ‘BODY BY DESIGN’ CLINIC PROPRIETORS

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved manslaughter charges against four suspects linked to the controversial ‘Body by Design’ clinic following the tragic death of Lucy Wambui. The suspects, including a surgeon and the clinic’s owner, are set to enter their pleas at the Kibera Law Courts in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Their court appearance follows their failure to show up for an earlier hearing, prompting Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Temu to issue a directive. “The suspects must present themselves in court by 9:00 a.m. Failure to comply will result in further legal action,” he warned.

Wambui tragically lost her life on October 6, 2024, after undergoing a medical procedure at the clinic, which is located on Kabarsiran Avenue. Her family has expressed their devastation, with her sister stating, “We trusted that clinic, but now we have lost our beloved Lucy. We need justice for her.”

Authorities have been investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, leading to the decision to charge those responsible. According to a statement from the DPP’s office, “The evidence gathered indicates negligence on the part of the accused individuals, and we will ensure that justice is served.”

The case has drawn significant public attention, with health advocates calling for stricter regulations on cosmetic and surgical procedures in private clinics. “This is a wake-up call. Many clinics operate without proper oversight, and innocent lives are at risk,” said Dr. Samuel Karanja, a medical expert.

As the suspects prepare to face the court, the nation watches closely, awaiting a ruling that could set a precedent for medical accountability in Kenya.