Chiromo Hospital Group Addresses Tragic Death of Dr. Susan Njoki

 

By Kemuma Achieng

 Chiromo Hospital Group has broken its silence following the tragic death of Dr. Susan Njoki, a renowned nurse, mental health advocate, and founder of the Toto Touch Organisation, who was found dead under disturbing circumstances at the hospital’s Braeside branch earlier this week.

Popularly known as Dr. Toto, Dr. Njoki was confirmed to have died from manual strangulation, according to a post-mortem examination conducted by a team of six independent pathologists. The 37-year-old mental health professional was reportedly admitted to the facility on Monday, July 21, allegedly against her will, by four individuals. Less than 24 hours later, she was discovered dead.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Chiromo Hospital Group founder and eminent psychiatrist, Dr. Frank Njenga, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing Dr. Njoki as “a brilliant professional, a passionate advocate, and a personal acquaintance.”

“This is a moment of reckoning—not just for our facility, but for the entire mental healthcare sector in Kenya,” said Dr. Njenga. “Truth is paramount to all other concerns in this case. We care for the vulnerable, and now we must prove it when it’s hardest to do so.”

Dr. Njoki’s death has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about patient safety, informed consent, and the ethical conduct of mental health institutions. The hospital confirmed that it is fully cooperating with investigators from Kabete Police Station and has preserved all relevant medical records and admission logs to support the ongoing inquiry.

Additionally, Chiromo Hospital Group has initiated an internal review of its protocols and procedures to determine if there were lapses in care or violations of patient rights.

“Our commitment is and has always been to be better and to do better for all our stakeholders and those in our care,” Dr. Njenga added.

Dr. Njoki, known for her tireless work advocating for mental health access and destigmatization, was widely respected in the healthcare community. Through her Toto Touch Organisation, she spearheaded several initiatives focused on youth mental health, community counseling, and rehabilitation programs.

Paying tribute to her legacy, Dr. Njenga said: “Dr. Toto’s voice of advocacy and care for those with mental health deserves to be heard, even now. The best way we honor her is by ensuring that the truth surrounding the circumstances of her death is established in an open and transparent manner.”

Authorities have named Dr. Njoki’s husband, Alloise Ngure, as a person of interest in the case. He was arrested last Friday and later released on cash bail. Law enforcement sources indicate that additional suspects may soon be apprehended, with some reportedly in hiding.

The news of Dr. Njoki’s death has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting calls from civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, and lawmakers for stronger oversight of mental health institutions and stricter safeguards for vulnerable patients.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Njenga conveyed his personal and professional grief: “As one who worked with her in mental health advocacy, my sense of loss is profound. I hope and pray that her work will not have been in vain.”

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Njoki’s death are ongoing. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in from across the country, celebrating her legacy and demanding justice.