“I felt him die inside her” — Husband “I felt him die inside her” — Husband blames negligence after snakebite kills pregnant wife and unborn child negligence after snakebite kills pregnant wife and unborn child

A grieving husband in Tana River County has accused hospital staff of negligence after his 28-year-old wife, Luli Mohamed Hassan, died from a snakebite — a tragedy that also claimed their unborn baby. The family and community are demanding answers and urgent improvements to emergency care in the area.

What happened

According to reports, Luli was bitten by a snake and taken to Hola County Referral Hospital late in the evening. Her husband says she did not receive timely or sufficient treatment — in particular, he alleges a delay in administering antivenom and lack of prompt emergency attention — and that both his wife and the baby were lost. Community members have since protested and called for a full investigation.

Why this matters

Snakebites remain a preventable killer. Venomous snakebites continue to cause thousands of deaths globally each year, and rural hospitals often lack antivenom stocks and trained personnel to respond quickly. This case highlights how gaps in emergency readiness can cost lives.

Pregnant women are especially vulnerable

. Complications from envenoming can rapidly endanger both mother and fetus; timely, appropriate care is critical

. Community trust in health services is fragile.

Allegations of negligence fuel public anger and may deter others from seeking prompt care in future emergencies.

Voices from the ground

Local leaders and residents have expressed shock and sorrow, calling the loss “disturbing and unacceptable.” The husband’s words — “I felt him die inside her” — have been widely shared and have intensified calls for accountability and improvements in rural emergency care.

What needs to change

1. Reliable antivenom supplies at county and referral hospitals serving snakebite-prone areas.

2. Training for frontline staff on rapid assessment and antivenom administration, including protocols for pregnant patients.

3. Clear emergency-referral systems and functioning ambulances so patients reach higher-level care fast.

4. Independent investigations when negligence is alleged, to restore trust and prevent repeat tragedies.

About the Author

Eunice Awino Awino

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