Hundreds of mourners gathered in Maliki B village, Kwanza Constituency in Trans Nzoia County on Monday to pay their final respects to Amos Isoka, a young father of three whose life was tragically cut short by a botched tooth extraction in Nairobi.
The young welder died on January 14, 2026, at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after complications from a tooth extraction at an unlicensed Nairobi clinic, allegedly carried out by an unqualified practitioner.
His burial ceremony was an emotional send-off as the grieving family, friends, villagers, and local leaders demanded justice and speedy investigations into the circumstances that led to his death.
The 27-year-old husband, father, and key breadwinner for his extended family died just three months after leaving his rural home in October in search of work in Nairobi.
Born on 1 January 1999, coincidence and fate would have it that his troubles began on New Year’s Day this year.
Parents of the late Amos Wambembe Isiko 27, during his burial at their home at Maliki B village in Kwanza constituency, Trans Nzoia County (right) Johnson Isoka and Mary Wakulo holding one of the deceased's children on January 26, 2026.
Photo credit: Evans Jaola | Nation Media Group
The firstborn in a family of five had been invited by friends who promised to help him find employment and was supported by his wife, Ms Vivian Nanjala, 24, while pursuing training opportunities to enhance his prospects, including welding and driving lessons.
On New Year’s Day, Mr Isoka visited Life Clinic in Kawangware seeking relief for a jaw ache. A tooth extraction was performed by an individual allegedly masquerading as a qualified medical professional.
Within 24 hours, his condition deteriorated rapidly, with massive swelling of the neck, tongue, and chest. He was referred to KNH, where doctors diagnosed him with Ludwig’s angina, a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection that spreads from the floor of the mouth and can obstruct the airway.
Despite medical intervention, his condition worsened, and he succumbed days later.
Mourners gathered around his simple casket, offering messages of comfort to the family, as leaders urged the government to expedite investigations.
A passionate Chelsea FC supporter, his jersey was draped over the casket as youths from the village, many of whom had played football with him, thronged his home to pay their last respects.
In emotional tributes, relatives described Mr Isoka, the firstborn in a family of five, as a hardworking and humble man whose life had only just begun to flourish.
Family members expressed frustration over the slow government response in arresting the suspect allegedly responsible for the young father’s death.
His widow, Ms Nanjala, was overcome with grief as she paid tribute to her late husband. She described him as a dedicated and selfless provider whose life was cut short by what she termed the actions of a rogue medical practitioner.
Mr Isoka’s brother, Mr Levi Murunga Isoka, the third-born in the family, questioned the delay in arresting the suspect linked to his brother’s death.
“We have even been told that the owner of that clinic is Congolese, and to date, we do not know what is happening. We are really seeking justice for our brother,” Mr Murunga said.
“He had just secured a welding job at a Chinese firm and was supporting us greatly. Now we do not know what the future holds without him,” he said.
Vivian Nanjala, wife of Amos Isoka who underwent a botched tooth extraction at "Life Clinic" in Kawangware, speaks during an interview at their house in Kawangware on January 12, 2026.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
Mr Isoka’s parents, Mr Johnson Isoka and Mrs Mary Wakulo, described their devastation at losing a son they had hoped would become the family’s breadwinner.
“He had a family, and now that we have lost him in such a careless way, we do not know how we will raise his children. This is very painful to us,” said Mr Isoka.
Local leaders also appealed for government support and called for a thorough investigation into Isoka’s death. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s adviser, Mr Emmanuel Waswa, and Keiyo Ward Member of County Assembly, Mr Kennedy Mogush, said the government must act promptly.
“This is a matter of national interest because of the pain this family is going through, and we want the government, just as it investigates other cases promptly, to also do justice to this family,” said Mr Waswa.
Mr Mogush said that although the government had waived hospital bills, much more was needed to help the bereaved family.
“This is a very sad situation, and the family is totally unable to meet the required expenses. We are still mobilising funds to support them,” he said.
