Desree Moraa: Medical Interns Announce Nationwide Go-Slow To Mourn Colleague's Death

• Medical interns in Kenya are on a go-slow to demand better treatment and favourable working conditions
• This is after one of them, Dr Desree Moraa Obwogi, was found dead in her apartment in Gatundu
• They lamented that Moraa's death is not an isolated case but part of a broader crisis affecting the well-being of medical interns

The medical interns' fraternity of Kenya is reeling from the tragic death of their colleague, Dr Desree Moraa Obwogi.

Moraa passed on while interning at Gatundu County Referral Hospital in Kiambu County.

Her demise shed light on the deep-seated challenges facing medical interns in Kenya, including financial struggles and a toxic working environment.

In a heartfelt statement, the interns expressed their grief, describing Moraa’s struggles as a reflection of systemic failures within the public health system.

"Dr Moraa's difficulties in meeting basic needs such as rent and utility bills, compounded by relentless demands from supervisors and consultants, underscore the negligence faced by many medical interns across Kenya," the statement read.

The fraternity highlighted that the death is not an isolated case but part of a broader crisis affecting the mental and physical well-being of medical interns.

The medical interns underpinned that they contribute approximately 30% of the labour in public health facilities.

This includes working shifts exceeding 36 hours without adequate rest or meals, conditions that are untenable and have serious mental health implications.

The interns called on the Ministry of Health to urgently address the "neglect and inconsiderate treatment" of medical interns.

Additionally, the fraternity condemned the "inhumane treatment" some interns endure at the hands of senior doctors and consultants.

To honour Dr Moraa's memory, medical interns across Kenya have declared 36 hours of mourning, starting at noon on Tuesday, September 24.

During this period, all interns—including medical officers, dentists, and pharmacists—will withdraw their services as a mark of respect and protest.

They urged hospital administrators, county health executives, and other relevant authorities to ensure that the healthcare system functions smoothly in their absence.

"We appreciate your cooperation as we advocate for necessary changes to ensure that no other intern faces the despair that led to Dr Moraa's tragic death," the statement concluded.

What killed Dr Desree Moraa?

The Egerton University alumnus was a medical intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital before she was found dead on the balcony of her apartment.

A Facebook post by colleague C'llin Harry, cited immense work pressure and personal struggles as the contributing factors to Moraa's demise.

Apart from going without food in the last 12 hours before her death, she had not paid her rent for the month, resulting in harassment from her landlord.

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