My Body, My Choice: Risper Faith Speaks Out on Cosmetic Surgery Debate

The recent death of Lucy Wambui Ng'ang'a has cast a spotlight on the safety concerns surrounding cosmetic surgery practices in Kenya.

On October 26, 2024, Ng'ang'a passed away due to complications following a combined 360-degree liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure at Body By Design clinic in Nairobi. Her death has prompted immediate regulatory action and sparked a national conversation about the oversight of cosmetic surgery facilities. Following the procedure, Ng'ang'a experienced severe complications, including respiratory distress and abdominal pain. Despite these concerning symptoms, she was discharged from the facility.

Her condition deteriorated, necessitating emergency surgery at Nairobi Hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to severe sepsis and peritonitis four days after the initial procedure. In response to this tragedy, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has taken swift action, ordering the immediate closure of Body By Design and initiating a comprehensive inspection of spa facilities throughout the country. The regulatory body's intervention aims to ensure strict compliance with established health and safety standards across the cosmetic surgery industry.

The incident has resonated deeply within Kenya's social media community, where prominent influencers have begun sharing their own experiences with cosmetic procedures. Among them, Risper Faith, who has undergone multiple surgeries herself, has emphasized the importance of personal choice in body enhancement decisions while advocating for stronger industry oversight. Her transformative path includes dental improvements through veneers, addressing hair concerns via transplantation, and body contouring through strategic fat redistribution from her abdominal area to enhance her hip profile.

From her perspective as a public figure, Risper maintains that appearance enhancement plays a crucial role in distinguishing oneself in the competitive influencer marketplace. She notes that brands consistently gravitate toward collaborating with individuals who embody certain aesthetic standards, including impeccable dental aesthetics, well-maintained hair, and a sculpted physique. These physical attributes, she suggests, can significantly influence an influencer's marketability and potential for securing brand partnerships. According to Risper, her promotional activities should not be interpreted as a blanket endorsement of surgical intervention.

Instead, she advocates for thoughtful consideration among those who experience body image concerns and possess the financial means to pursue enhancement procedures. She encourages potential candidates to conduct thorough research and arrive at decisions that align with their personal circumstances and desires. Another influencer, Phoina Tosha, who previously underwent liposuction at the same facility, has remained silent on the matter, with her management indicating she is not prepared to comment.

The legal aftermath has intensified as Omnicare Medical, Body By Design's parent company, challenges the KMPDC's closure order. Through their legal representative Danstan Omari, the company maintains that their facility is equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by qualified professionals. They assert that Ng'ang'a underwent appropriate pre-operative screening and that all procedural protocols were followed.