Pharmacists Who Filmed Gachagua Face Possible Regulatory Action
The professional body said the incident highlights the importance of ensuring all pharmacy outlets operate under qualified supervision, adding that trained personnel understand and uphold essential ethical and confidentiality standards.
By Staff Writer
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has warned of possible regulatory action after a public figure was filmed inside a pharmacy, describing the recording as a breach of healthcare confidentiality.
Footage circulating online shows former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua being recorded as he purchased medication at an unidentified pharmacy, sparking questions about patient privacy and professional conduct.
PSK said pharmacies are healthcare environments where clients have a right to dignity and discretion, regardless of their social or political status. The society stressed that filming a patient without consent violates ethical standards.
In its statement, PSK said confidentiality is a fundamental obligation of pharmaceutical practice. It added that both pharmacists and technologists are bound by codes of conduct set under Kenyan law.
“It is unacceptable for any person to be recorded while seeking medicines or advice in a pharmacy. Such conduct undermines patient safety and the integrity of healthcare,” the society said.
PSK said it is verifying the identity and licensing status of the outlet involved before recommending any action to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. The society noted it is still unclear which practitioners were present during the incident.
The professional body said the incident highlights the importance of ensuring all pharmacy outlets operate under qualified supervision, adding that trained personnel understand and uphold essential ethical and confidentiality standards.
“We are undertaking due diligence to establish who handled the patient and whether the outlet met regulatory requirements. Appropriate action will follow if any breach is confirmed,” PSK stated.
PSK expressed regret over the apparent breach of privacy and reaffirmed that every Kenyan is entitled to confidential healthcare, dignity and discretion, regardless of social standing, political office or public profile.
By the time of publishing this article, Gachagua had not publicly responded to the circulating footage, and it remains unclear whether he will pursue legal action against the pharmacists involved or the pharmacy establishment.
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