Court issues fresh orders as Nakuru War Memorial Hospital remains deserted
The Environment and Lands Court has issued fresh orders directing police to restrain the Nakuru county government from interfering with the operations of Nakuru War Memorial hospital.
On Thursday, Justice Millicent Odeny directed that the hospital staff be allowed back to the facility and carry out their services without interference.
Nakuru county police boss Samuel Ndanyi is also required to appear before court next Tuesday to explain why he has been unable to ensure compliance with the court’s directive.
On Monday, county officials, accompanied by armed police officers, forcibly transferred patients from the hospital, intensifying the hospital’s land ownership tussle amid an ongoing court case.
The takeover happened despite an existing court order barring them from interfering with the facility’s management.
The matter has also ignited fresh political conflicts, with some Nakuru leaders criticizing the move by the county administration.
Also Read: Panic, chaos as county workers take over Nakuru private hospital
They include Nakuru East MP David Gikaria, Senator Tabitha Karanja and former Bahati legislator Kimani Ngunjiri.
Senator Karanja criticized Governor Kihika, threatening to initiate an impeachment motion against her for the takeover of the hospital.
She condemned the attack on the hospital, urging compliance with the law.
Senator Karanja expressed sympathy for the affected patients, doctors, and workers, vowing to mobilize Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to table an impeachment motion against Governor Kihika’s conduct.
“As the Senator, I will also seek an audience with President William Ruto regarding the whole saga,” she said.
Mr Ngunjiri condemned the forceful transfer of patients, including those on life-support machines and dialysis, without notice or proper planning with their families.
The hospital ownership battle has deepened existing political differences between Governor Kihika and Nakuru MPs, triggering fresh conflicts. The hospital, in existence for over 100 years, is at the centre of a court battle over a 25-acre parcel of land.
Attempts by the county to take over the hospital have intensified since the arrest and arraignment of two directors, Rodger Joslyn and Dr Simon Watene Mwangi, on forgery charges. The county government deployed armed police officers and enforcement officers to manage the facility, shutting it down for two days.
County Secretary Samuel Mwaura assured the public that measures have been taken to ensure the welfare and safety of patients.
The closure has raised concerns over job losses among the staff. Workers have petitioned the county government to consider their fate.
The facility remained deserted for the better part of Wednesday despite the court ordering resumption of services at the facility.
The main entrance was under tight security as it was manned by the county enforcement officers and officers from Kenya Police service.
On the other hand the hospital Matron, Dr Patricia Njeri, made a report at the Kaptembwo police station on threats to her life, after she allegedly received death threats.
Through the facility‘s advocate Henry Aminga, the doctor received threats on her life from an unknown individual on Monday night through a call and text message.
Reporting by Mercy Koskei, Eric Matara, Joseph Openda and Festus Lango.
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