Nakuru politicians slam county over takeover of Memorial Hospital

Two politicians have intervened in the ownership and management wrangles of the multi-billion Nakuru War Memorial Hospital.

Nakuru Town East MP, David Gikaria and former Bahati legislator, Kimani Ngunjiri said the take-over of the hospital was ill-advised and maliciously executed in a way that endangered lives and property.

The two claimed that one patient died as a result of the takeover which was done on the night of October 28 when officers from Nakuru County Government led by the County Secretary, Samuel Mwaura.

Ngunjiri said patients, even those on life-supporting machines and dialysis were forcefully transferred to another facility without notice or prior planning with their families.

“The country's government raided the hospital at night and used its ambulances to forcefully transfer patients regardless of their conditions. The hospital mortuary was not spared,” said the former MP during a press conference.

He lamented that it was unfortunate for the hospital which has been serving hundreds of people daily to be shut down over issues that could be discussed and agreed upon amicably.

Ngunjiri said the Nakuru County Government used impunity and dictatorship in the take despite the existence of a court directing that the status quo remained until later this month when a ruling will be made.

He said although the lease had expired, it was in the hands of the National Land Commission to decide whether to renew it or give it to other competing interests.

He narrated the history of the hospital which was established by colonialists before being taken over by Jomo Kenyatta’s government.

“Founding President Kenyatta divided the facility into two, with one section remaining as Nakuru War Memorial Hospital while the other became Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital Annex,” said Ngunjiri.

Another piece of land that is embroiled in the hospital ownership wrangles is the helipad next to Nakuru State House Nakuru which is also under the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital lease.

Ngunjiri’s sentiment were echoed by Gikaria who questioned how Nakuru County Government security enforcement officers could stand guard as goons destroyed hospital equipment while at the same time terrorising patients and medics.

He said some of the goons went to the hospital staff quarters and looted items from workers’ properties during the night raid.

Gikaria condemned the County Government for being insensitive, especially to the workers, patients and their kin.