- In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Maurice Omollo recounted his wife Mary Buluma’s illness and the surgery that tragically claimed her life
- He described the alleged doctor’s response after the operation went wrong, leaving the family devastated and burdened with heavy medical bills
- Private detective Jane Mugoh weighed in on the incident, expressing concern over the rising number of deaths linked to botched surgeries and medical negligence
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Nairobi: A family from Obama Estate, Kayole, is mourning the death of a 43-year-old fish vendor hailing from Kabondo, Homa Bay county.
Source: Original
Mary Buluma Mulango passed away after what her husband and friends described as a botched medical procedure.
Buluma, who had been struggling with an eye problem, sought medical help earlier this month but never recovered after undergoing surgery.
What was Mary Buluma’s diagnosis?
Speaking exclusively with TUKO.co.ke, her husband, Maurice Omollo Nyang’wara, recounted the harrowing journey that led to her demise.
Buluma had been diagnosed with meningioma after undergoing an MRI scan. Omollo explained that several neurosurgeons had assured him that the condition was not cancerous and had not reached the brain.
“Three to four neurosurgeons I shared the results with assured me that her brain was intact and that the thing that looked like a tumor was not cancerous. That is why I wanted surgery done at MP Shah, because a doctor there assured me that it would be 98% safe, and that was confirmed by three other doctors,” he said.
However, Buluma preferred another famous hospital.
What caused Mary Buluma’s death?
Buluma’s journey of no return began on November 7, when she walked into Kenyatta National Hospital.
She would later receive a call from a consultant advising her to seek immediate admission at her preferred facility, where she underwent a procedure on Saturday, November 8.
“Immediately she went into an irreversible coma. After the surgery, she was taken into HDU; she never regained consciousness,” Omollo explained.
The heartbroken husband expressed frustration that the surgical team allegedly relied on older scans, a CT scan from a Nairobi hospital, and an MRI from KNH dated September 15, without conducting fresh imaging before the operation.
“I was expecting the neurosurgeon to conduct another screening before operating on her. A doctor just called me requesting the past MRIs; I sent them, not knowing that was what was being used,” he recalled.
Source: Original
What did doctors say before declaring Buluma dead?
Omollo said doctors informed the family that the surgery was successful, but complications arose on the second night when Buluma developed breathing difficulties.
She was placed on oxygen support but never regained consciousness.
“They said she had gone into an irreversible coma because she was brain dead. When we asked why she was brain dead yet she never had issues with the brain at all, they said it happened because of the surgery; the brain was swollen. They told us her chances of coming back were 2 out of 20, very slim,” Omollo recounted.
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She stayed in the HDU until Tuesday, November 11, when she was pronounced dead.
Omollo described the operation as unprofessional and botched, given the deceased’s condition prior to death.
He lamented and questioned the circumstances under which the procedure was conducted.
“My wife’s photo shows a botched procedure where they cut up to her ears and split her head twice, as if they were guessing. You cannot have a successful surgery and end up in HDU,” he said, suggesting negligence in the procedure.
Source: Original
How did Jane Mugoh react to Buluma’s death?
Buluma’s death sparked outrage among her family and friends.
Jane Mugoh, a private detective and close friend of the family, described the incident as heartbreaking and raised concerns about rising cases of medical negligence.
“I am coming from Komollo’s home, and I am not even myself. How can one do such to a fellow human being? What was their intention, because clearly where the lady was operated, including the ear, is very far from the eye? We have lost so many people through botched surgeries and doctors’ negligence. Why are the cases increasing, and why are such surgeons allowed to handle critical cases?” she questioned amid tears.
Buluma, who was well known for her fish business, left behind her husband and family, who are now seeking both financial and emotional support as they prepare for her burial scheduled for December 6, 2025.
As of November 12, the family had accumulated a hospital bill of KSh 931,560. To support Omollo, you can reach him at +254 718 541428.
What happened to Betty Bayo?
In other tragic news, singer Shiru wa GP recounted events leading to Betty Bayo’s death.
She revealed that on the night prior to her demise, Bayo began bleeding heavily but managed to gather enough strength to walk downstairs, retrieve her car keys, and sound her horn to alert neighbours.
One neighbour, realising the severity of the situation, rushed her to a private hospital along Kiambu Road.
However, her treatment was delayed after the hospital staff reportedly demanded a cash deposit of KSh 260,000 before admitting her.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
