How a Standard Seven Dropout Worked at a Kenyan Referral Hospital for Six Months

A standard seven drop-out arrested for being a quack doctor has revealed how he has been masquerading as a doctor at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. Police said 26 year-old Peter Nyapeni has been operating as a quack doctor in the Kisii’s largest medical facility for the past six months.

Nyapeni is said to have been reporting for “night duty” and had access to the hospital’s main pharmacy.

When he was questioned, Nyapeni revealed that he has been working at the facility since last November and had dropped out of school in Standard Seven in 2006.

“I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor but I am yet to get that opportunity. I came here last year looking for a job but failed to find one,” he said.

He however declined to state whether he had handled a serious medical condition, revealing that a senior medical administrator allowed him to the facility.

“He asked me to pay him some money to facilitate my employment. I didn’’t have the money but he allowed me to be a casual worker before he could get me a job. He paid me Sh500 once and has been giving me some pocket money occasionally,” he said.

He further revealed that he had accessed medicine from the pharmacy and the main store on many occasions.

Staffs at the hospital confirmed that the suspect had been seen in a number of wards in the hospital and occasionally join female students to help them dress wounds, especially in the children’s ward.

Kisii Referral Hospital CEO Enock Ondari, said the suspect had never handled a serious case.

“He has been coming here with a group of medical students and has been assigned duties by our senior staff. We are investigating how he got a student card. He has always been seen in white shirts and black trousers,” said Ondari.

Further, photos retrieved from Nyapeni’s laptop had him wearing full police uniform.

Police have launched investigation on Nyapeni to get more details on the suspect and how he managed to operate in the facility.

Kisii Central OCPD Francis Nguli said Nyapeni will be charged with several offences. “He is a quack doctor and we plan to arrest his accomplices.”