KCSE candidate dies after delivery in Homa Bay

Velma Anita Ochieng died an hour after giving birth via a caesarian section on November 28.

A family in Homa Bay is in mourning after their kin is reported to have died while giving birth at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital.

Velma Anita Ochieng, 19, a student at Nyajanja Mixed Secondary School in Rangwe Sub-County, was set to take her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams later in the week.

She died an hour after giving birth via a caesarian section on Monday morning, November 28.

Her son is however lucky to be alive.

Anita's family have blamed their kin's death on the medic's laxity and alleged negligence at the hospital.

"We realised Anita was supposed to go to the theatre, but they delayed until she was already overwhelmed," Sela Ayaga, Anita's aunt explained.

"We reported to the medical officers in the ward about the case of my niece but they appeared reluctant. It is very sad that she has died," Ayaga regretted.

According to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital CEO Peter Ogola, the cause of death is yet to be determined.

He stated that Anita's surgery operation was a success noting it was unfortunate that she died after the delivery.

"I condole with the family. The surgery was undertaken successfully. Her baby boy is healthy, with good weight," said Dr Ogola.

A postmortem would be conducted to establish cause of Anita's death.