The proprietors of a Nairobi body clinic known as Body by Design, which was at the centre of an alleged botched cosmetic procedure that led to the death of Lucy Wambui Ng’ang’a are set to face manslaughter charges.
In what is a major breakthrough in the case, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on Tuesday, April 1, revealed that the two owners and a surgeon are set to take a plea at the Kibera Law Courts on Wednesday, April 2.
This is after the three failed to appear before the courts today, prompting the presiding judge to issue orders to the defence lawyers instructing the three to appear on Wednesday.
“The suspects were initially scheduled to take their plea today but missed the court appearance, prompting the court to reschedule the hearing for tomorrow,” observed the DPP.
Senior Principal Magistrate Temu, in his orders, directed the accused persons to appear before the court on Wednesday by 9:00am.
If the case proceeds up to sentencing, the accused stare at a potential life imprisonment as a maximum sentence.
Lucy Ng’ang’a died on October 26 after complications arose from liposuction surgery. Medical reports claim the businesswoman passed away from complications stemming from perforated intestines from a cosmetic procedure.
The aftermath of her passing led to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations launching a probe that included a raid at Body by Design and the summoning of staff to record statements at their headquarters.
Among the materials seized by detectives was CCTV footage, which was to undergo further analysis.
In their investigations, detectives were keen to understand what transpired between October 16 and 22, when the late Ng'ang'a underwent the procedures.
Also, the government, through the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, ordered the closure of the facility to pave the way for investigations.
The facility was accused of failing to meet required medical standards and not adhering to patient safety regulations.
Ng’ang’a was buried in November 2024 in a ceremony attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while investigations were still ongoing.
