Young Man Dies After Botched Tooth Extraction by Fake Dentist in Kawangware, Suspect Still at Large

A young man, Amos Isoka, has died at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) days after complications from a botched tooth extraction allegedly performed by an unlicensed practitioner at an illegal dental clinic in Kawangware, Nairobi. 

Isoka had been receiving treatment at KNH’s critical care unit after developing severe swelling in his neck, tongue and chest following the procedure. Despite undergoing two surgeries, doctors were unable to save him, and he died on Wednesday evening, about 15 days after the extraction. 

Family members described the loss as devastating. His wife, Vivian Nekesa, said medical staff had planned another operation after his condition deteriorated, but his heartbeat worsened overnight and he succumbed to respiratory failure. 

The extraction was carried out at an unlicensed facility in Kawangware, where the operator reportedly admitted to not being a qualified dentist. After Isoka’s condition worsened, he was brought to KNH for specialist care. 

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) confirmed that the clinic involved, known as Life Clinic, was not registered and had been shut down along with other illegal facilities in the area as part of enforcement actions triggered by media reports of the case. 

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the fake dentist and clinic owner, who remains at large. The tragedy has intensified calls from health professionals and community members for stricter regulation of medical facilities and stronger enforcement to prevent unqualified individuals from administering healthcare services.

Isoka’s family is now grappling with burial arrangements and outstanding hospital bills, highlighting broader concerns about access to justice and compensation in cases of medical negligence.