Missing Cancer Patient Found Mauled by Dogs in Eldoret

Eldoret police have launched an investigation into the tragic death of a cancer patient who went missing from a local hospital and was later found mauled by dogs.

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the incident, stating that the 53-year-old male patient, who was suffering from throat cancer, had been admitted to the hospital but disappeared on the night of January 21, 2025. The hospital and his family reported his disappearance, prompting a police search operation.

Days later, the patient’s body was discovered in a bushy area near a river close to the hospital. Authorities say that stray dogs had severely mauled the remains, leaving it in an advanced state of decomposition, with some parts reduced to skeletal form.

"DCI officers are still investigating the incident, but the patient has been identified, and his family has been informed," said Mwanthi.

Preliminary findings indicate that the patient had removed his hospital garments, changed into his clothes, and walked out of the facility unnoticed during the night. His body was found nearly a kilometer from the ward where he had been admitted.

Authorities are now questioning hospital security personnel to determine how the patient managed to exit the premises undetected. “We have recorded statements at the hospital to establish what happened and whether there was any negligence,” Mwanthi added.

Following the discovery of the body, police called the deceased’s family to the scene before transferring the remains to a local morgue for further examination. The investigation continues as authorities seek to establish the exact circumstances leading to the tragic incident.

February 12, 2025