Susan Kamengere Njoki, a prominent figure whose innovative spirit touched many, met her untimely end under profoundly unsettling circumstances at Chiromo Group of Hospitals, Braeside branch, on July 15, 2025. What began as a disturbing account of alleged forced hospitalization has tragically escalated into a full-blown homicide investigation, following a shocking postmortem report revealing manual strangulation.
The gravity of this case is amplified by Njoki's courageous attempts to document her ordeal before her passing. In chilling Facebook posts and audio recordings, she detailed a terrifying sequence of events: four individuals – two men and two women – allegedly stormed her Kileleshwa home, forcibly injected her against her will, and then transported her to the hospital without her consent. In these distressing accounts, Njoki explicitly named her husband, Alois Ngure, and her psychiatrist, Dr. Onyancha, as having authorized this intervention. Her family has corroborated this crucial detail, confirming that no court order was obtained for such an drastic measure. Further raising suspicion, her Facebook post was mysteriously deleted, and her phone was reportedly confiscated shortly after her forced admission.
Njoki, who had a known history of bipolar disorder, had consistently maintained that she was effectively managing her condition and was not in a state requiring involuntary hospitalization. Her audio recordings capture her disbelief and anguish, as she famously stated, “If death looks like this, let them take me back home.” She even highlighted upcoming professional commitments, including an interview with an international company, questioning how a "mad woman" could be scheduled for such a significant opportunity. Her family staunchly supports her claims, asserting that she was in good health and actively managing her mental well-being through voluntary treatment at Aga Khan Hospital whenever necessary.
The family's distress was compounded by alleged attempts to visit Njoki at Chiromo Hospital. Access was reportedly made contingent on her husband’s approval, and they were tragically informed of her death shortly after being denied entry to see her. This series of events has naturally fueled intense suspicion and a fervent demand for answers.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has swiftly launched a formal inquiry into the matter. In a significant development, Njoki’s husband, Alois Ngure, has not only recorded a statement but has also been subsequently arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation. Chiromo Hospital has publicly stated its full cooperation with the DCI, providing all necessary documents to aid the inquiry.
This heartbreaking case has ignited a firestorm of outrage within Kenya’s vibrant business and tech communities, transcending the immediate tragedy to spark critical discussions. Conversations are now intensifying around fundamental issues of patient consent, ethical mental health advocacy, and the potential for severe abuse of psychiatric power. The revelation of manual strangulation in the postmortem report tragically transforms what was initially perceived as alleged medical negligence into a potential homicide investigation, demanding the most rigorous pursuit of justice.
