Family demands justice as intern doctor laid to rest

Medical officers protesting in Nakuru City on January 15, 2024 after their colleague Dr Laban Langat was found dead at Rift Provincial General Hospital. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The 26-year-old intern doctor, whose body was found in a trench at Nakuru Level Five Hospital, was laid to rest in Chematich village Trans Nzoia with family and leaders demanding justice.

The late Dr Laban Kiptoo, who was attached to the Margaret Kenyatta Mother-Baby Maternity Wing, was discovered dead by a guard.

He was working at the facility since August 2023 after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Egerton University.

His death has inside a well-guarded facility has caused panic and fear among colleagues.

Emotions ran high during Dr Kiptoo's send-off, as the family and leaders urged the government to bring to book those responsible for his death.

Johana Rono described his son as a social, humble and kind person and wondered why someone decided to end his life.

"He was full of life. My son was social, humble and kind, and we are yet to come to terms with his death. We don't know why someone ended his life," Rono said.

He said the family would only rest when they get justice.

"As a family, our only appeal is to know exactly what happened to our son. We want justice," he said.

Sarah Rono termed her son's death as a big blow to the family saying they had sacrificed to educate him.

"We sacrificed a lot to support him to complete his studies. We had hopes he would help us when he secures a job," said Mrs Rono.

Local leaders called for justice, saying Dr Kiptoo's death was a blow to the area.