An expectant mother in Makueni County was forced to seek help from a traditional birth attendant after being turned away by a nurse at Mavivye Lituu Health Center in Kilome. The incident, which has sparked public outrage, is under investigation by county health authorities.
The woman, Gloria Wanja, began experiencing labor pains early in the morning on Saturday, June 7. Her family quickly arranged transportation using a local motorcycle (bodaboda) to rush her to the nearby health center. Upon arrival at around 6 a.m., her mother-in-law approached a nurse known to the family and requested immediate medical attention for the expectant mother.
However, the nurse reportedly declined to offer assistance, allegedly due to a prior disagreement involving Gloria’s relatives. The nurse is said to have cited a previous complaint made to her superiors about her conduct at the facility. According to the mother-in-law, the nurse expressed that she would not help the family because they had previously reported her to a radio station and to the facility’s management.
With no other options available, the family turned to a traditional birth attendant in the area. The attendant assisted Gloria through the delivery, and both mother and baby are reported to be in stable condition, although the new mother is still experiencing physical challenges and may need further medical attention.
The incident comes at a critical time when the Makueni County Government is actively encouraging pregnant women to deliver at health facilities as part of its maternal and child health initiative. County officials view the move as essential to reducing maternal and neonatal deaths, which remain a significant concern in the region.
The County Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Health has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that investigations are underway. Authorities are treating the matter seriously, especially given the county’s current standing on neonatal health outcomes.
Makueni County has a neonatal mortality rate of 26 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is higher than the national average of 21.5. The county’s Department of Health, in partnership with organizations like the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) and Women in Development, is working to reverse this trend.
These partnerships emphasize the importance of skilled birth attendance and antenatal care. According to health policy guidelines promoted under these programs, at least 90% of expectant mothers should attend a minimum of four antenatal care visits. Similarly, 90% of all deliveries should be conducted by trained healthcare professionals to ensure the safety of both mothers and their newborns.
Community-based efforts, including media awareness through journalist organizations such as Wanahabari Org, are being used to mobilize and inform the public about the importance of facility-based deliveries. The ongoing campaign also aims to combat cultural and systemic barriers that hinder access to maternal healthcare.
This recent incident, however, underscores the challenges still facing the health sector at the grassroots level. Acts of negligence or personal vendettas among healthcare workers can derail years of progress in maternal and child health. It also raises critical questions about accountability and the need for better systems to ensure that no woman is denied care due to interpersonal conflicts or administrative grievances.
As the county probes the case, stakeholders in the healthcare sector are calling for swift action to protect the rights of mothers and to restore public trust in local health facilities.
