Photo: Courtesy
In the village of Kiburet, located in Ainamoi ward of Kericho County, a profound sense of loss enveloped the community as they gathered to bid farewell to Gladys Chepkemoi Lelgo.
The mother of three tragically passed away during childbirth at the Kericho County Referral Hospital. Her untimely death has sparked allegations of medical negligence, prompting her grieving family to seek justice.
The funeral was a deeply emotional event, with family members, friends, and local residents coming together to honor Gladys’s memory. She was remembered as a hardworking and devoted individual, known for her dedication to her family and her prowess in farming.
The ceremony was marked by poignant scenes, including the presence of two wooden caskets—one for Gladys and a smaller one for her newborn—underscoring the profound tragedy of their simultaneous passing.
Among the attendees was Beatrice Kemei, the Kericho Women Representative, who expressed her condolences to the bereaved family. In her address, Kemei highlighted the pressing issue of maternal mortality in the county, noting that Kericho bears a disproportionately high burden of such tragedies compared to other regions.
She called for a unified effort to tackle the unacceptably high number of maternal deaths resulting from pregnancy and childbirth complications. Kemei urged the county government, the county assembly, and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to Gladys’s death.
She emphasized that any individuals found culpable of professional negligence should be held personally accountable for this unfortunate loss.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the state of healthcare services in Kericho County. Concerns have been raised regarding the quality and professionalism of medical care provided in the region.
Doreen, a local businesswoman, voiced her apprehensions, stating that the health sector in Kericho is deteriorating and requires intervention from both the national government and non-governmental organizations.
She criticized the competence of those entrusted with delivering healthcare services, reflecting a growing sentiment among residents about the need for systemic improvements.
The outpouring of grief and support extended beyond the funeral, with numerous individuals expressing their condolences on social media. Many called for swift action from relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The community’s collective mourning has been accompanied by a resolute demand for accountability and enhanced healthcare standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Gladys’s death is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by expectant mothers and the critical importance of reliable maternal healthcare services.
As her family seeks justice, their pursuit underscores a broader imperative to address systemic issues within the healthcare system to safeguard the lives of mothers and their children.
The community’s response reflects a deep-seated desire for change, aiming to ensure that no other family endures a similar heartbreak.
In the wake of this tragedy, there is a renewed call for comprehensive evaluations of maternal healthcare practices in the region.
Advocates are pressing for policy reforms, better training for healthcare providers, and increased resources to support expectant mothers.
The goal is to create a healthcare environment where the safety and well-being of mothers are prioritized, and preventable deaths become a relic of the past.
As the community of Kiburet continues to mourn the loss of Gladys and her child, their collective grief serves as a catalyst for advocacy and change.
The hope is that through concerted efforts, future tragedies can be averted, and the legacy of those lost can inspire a transformation in maternal healthcare services.
