Nairobi News

NewsWhat's Hot

Court summons Govt Chemist over Careen Chepchumba medical report

By BENSON MATHEKA September 21st, 2016 2 min read

A court has summoned the Government Chemist to explain why a medical report required in an inquest to the death of Careen Chepchumba has not been produced four years after her death.

The prosecution on Tuesday successfully applied for the officer in charge of the Government Chemist to appear in court to shed light on the report that could derail the inquest.

The inquest heard that before her death, Ms Chepchumba had complained of having a fast heart beat that a doctor said was not life threatening.

Dr Charles Kariuki, a cardiologist, told a Kibera court that Chepchumba visited his clinic at Nairobi hospital on October 7, 2011 complaining that her heart was beating rapidly.

“It was her first time to visit our clinic. I had not seen her before that day,” he said.

Careen, a friend of former TV news anchor Louis Otieno, was found dead in her apartment at Kilimani’s Santonia Court, Nairobi, on February 14, 2012.

IN GOOD HEALTH

“We did all the required tests and found that she was in good health. Her heart appeared to be ok,” Dr Kariuki said.

A blood test revealed that she had an overactive thyroid and after a prescription given by the doctor, Careen did not return after a month for review.

“We also advised her to see a neurologist because she had complained of fainting and recurring headaches,” Dr Kariuki said.

The inquest heard that Ms Chepchummba never returned to the clinic and the doctor was not sure if she took the drugs since they do not follow up on patients.

It also emerged that although she had a medical cover it was inadequate for the medical bill. Her father, Mr Hosea Kili, cleared her bill after her death.

Dr Kariuki said Ms Chepchumba did not have a life threatening condition when he saw her. The inquest continues Wednesday.