The County Government of Makueni is seeking answers from a senior nurse based in Mavivye Lituu Health Center in Kilome who is said to have turned away a woman who was in labor, forcing her to seek services from a traditional birth companion. 

In a candid conversation with TV47 Health Desk, Tabitha Mutuku, the mother in-law to Gloria Wanja who was expecting to deliver at the facility said her daughter in-law started experiencing labour pains on Saturday June 7, 2025 in the morning.

Her family swiftly sought services of a bodaboda operator who rushed her to the local dispensary at around 6am. 

According to Ms Mutuku, when they arrived at the facility she went straight to one of the resident nurses who was well known to her and informed her of their need. Mutuku alleges that the nurse refused to attend to them, referencing a previous protest claimed to have been made by one of Gloria’s relatives. 

The nurse is said to have accused the family of reporting her to her supervisors on how she was offering services at the facility. 

”Alituambia hawezitusaidia kwa sababu tumekuwa tukimripoti vile anafanya kazi kwa radio, na hatukuwa na njia nyingine ile kwenda kwa mkunga, nitampeleka hospitali nyingine kesho na mtoto kwa sababu hata sasa hawezitembea vizuri,” said distressed Ms Mutuku.

Even though the mother and baby survived the tribulations, the incident has sparked outrage in the community.

Meanwhile, Dr. Paul Musila, the ECM for Health in Makueni County, confirmed that the incident had been received by his office and investigations are ongoing.

This incident comes when the County Government of Makueni through its department for health is pushing for pregnant mothers to deliver in hospitals.

The incident has also been cited as a bad move that undermines long term efforts of saving mothers during birth. 

Makueni County ranks below average in terms of neonatal mortality where the neonatal mortality rate is 26 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is higher than the national neonatal mortality rate of 21.5 per 1,000 live births. 

The County is collaborating with the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) and Women in Development to address this issue where journalists through Wanahabari org are involved.

According to Prof. Beatrice Kihara, the lead champion of the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative, at least 90% of expectant women should attend a minimum of four antenatal care (ANC) visits, while 90% of births should be assisted by skilled healthcare professionals.