Forced sterilisation doctors face probe

Doctors in public hospitals who allegedly sterilised women with HIV without their consent face charges over the violations.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko said on Sunday consultations were going on between his office and the Public Health Ministry on the matter.

“Consultations between ourselves, relevant ministries and other agencies over the possibility of instituting criminal investigations are going on.

"In the course of the week, we will be able to know if there is need to go ahead with criminal investigations into this matter,” Mr Tobiko said.

Government policy

Last week, Public Health minister Beth Mugo urged the DPP to prosecute doctors who allegedly sterilised women with HIV without their knowledge.

The minister it was against government policy to sterilise HIV positive patients without their consent.

On Sunday, Mr Tobiko said although his office was not an investigating agency, he had powers to direct the Commissioner of Police to institute investigations in criminal matters.

“If what has been reported is the truth, then we are not only talking about violation of individual rights but also torture, but there are processes which are ongoing and we want see what they come up with before we make a decision,” he said.

Last week, Director of Public Health Shariff Shahnaz said doctors in government hospitals were being investigated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Denstists Board after a study claimed that they were sterilising women with HIV without their consent.