A pregnant woman died in Busia County after she failed to produce Sh 1,000 meant to bribe an ambulance driver.
Diva Nyangweso died after hours of pain when an ambulance driver refused to transfer her to a referral hospital following complications during labor.
The Nation reports that she had been admitted at Sio Port sub district hospital when complications arose while giving birth.
A request to be taken to a nearby referral hospital fell on deaf ears when she could not produce the money demanded by the ambulance’s driver, allegedly meant for fuel.
Residents took to the streets to protest Nyangweso’s death.
They claimed that the ambulances drivers have a habit of asking for payment for ‘fuel’, a term they use to refer to bribes.
They also faulted the hospital’s staff for negligence that lead to the woman’s death.
Area governor Sospeter Ojaamong says that legal action will be taken against the driver.
He cautioned residents against paying bribes in the name of buying fuel since the county ambulances are fueled by the County Government.
He added that all officers responsible for the delay of the woman’s transfer to the referral hospital will face disciplinary action.
Investigations into Nyangweso’s death have begun.
