A pharmacy in Kenya has drawn intense public attention after a video surfaced online showing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua purchasing and taking medication inside the premises.

The footage, believed to have been recorded without his consent, has sparked a wider national conversation around patient privacy, informed consent, and ethical conduct in healthcare environments.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) moved quickly to address the matter, issuing a firm statement condemning the incident. The professional body stressed that pharmacies are clinical spaces where every individual is entitled to privacy, dignity, and strict confidentiality.

In its statement shared publicly, PSK underscored that capturing or sharing images of a client inside a pharmacy without permission amounts to a grave violation of healthcare ethics.

“Recording any client within a pharmacy setting without consent constitutes a serious breach of privacy and healthcare confidentiality,” the society stated.

The body further reminded practitioners and members of the public that protecting personal health information is not optional, but a foundational ethical obligation within the profession.

In Kenya, pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists operate under clearly defined legal and regulatory frameworks. Upon qualification, they take professional oaths committing themselves to safeguard patient welfare and confidentiality at all times. The PSK noted that pharmacists undergo rigorous university-level training designed to equip them with clinical judgment and a deep understanding of patient safety standards.

As a result, the incident has raised concerns over whether the professionals involved upheld the core ethical principles governing pharmaceutical practice.

The PSK has since launched an inquiry to establish the identity of the pharmacy captured in the video and the individuals involved. It is also verifying the licensing status of the outlet to determine whether disciplinary or regulatory measures may be necessary.

“PSK is undertaking due diligence to verify the identity and licensing status of the outlet and the professionals involved so that appropriate regulatory steps may be taken if necessary,” the statement added.

PSK President Dr. Wairimu Mbogo, who signed the communication, reiterated that access to confidential healthcare is a constitutional and professional guarantee for all citizens, irrespective of their public profile.

“Regardless of public profile or status, every Kenyan has the right to confidential healthcare,” she affirmed.

The incident has reignited debate about compliance with professional standards within pharmacy outlets and the broader responsibility of healthcare providers to maintain public trust. As the video continues to circulate online, PSK maintains that its priority is to uphold ethical practice, protect patient rights, and prevent similar breaches in the future.