By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-23 12:15:38
Patients and staff at Nakuru War Memorial Hospital experienced a terrifying night as the county government made a second attempt to take over the hospital’s management. The process was marred by tales of violence and chaos, taking place in the dead of night under police and senior county officials’ supervision.
The workers had a tense Monday evening, which later turned into a full-blown invasion at 2am on Tuesday when the hospital was forcefully taken over. The workers, caught by surprise, were forced to hide in fear of being attacked as people broke into the hospital building and destroyed property. Some county askaris entered through windows, while others broke doors to various departments.
The invading individuals terrorized staff members, smashing mobile phones and CCTV cameras and physically assaulting those trying to document the events. Patients were transferred amidst the chaos, and many, including premature babies in the nursery, were left in distress. The workers and patients were not given enough time to prepare for the sudden and disruptive takeover.
After the takeover was complete at 6am, the staff was allowed to go home. This incident occurred shortly after the hospital’s directors, who had been charged with fraudulently obtaining a lease extension, were released on bail. The county government justified its actions as a means to protect the lives of patients and ensure their care was not neglected in the absence of hospital management.
The county’s takeover also precedes a civil case in which the hospital has sued the county for interfering with its operations. The entire event was characterized by chaos, fear, and confusion as both staff and patients were impacted by the abrupt transfer of control.
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