President William Ruto has spoken out on the ongoing controversy surrounding The Nairobi Hospital, pledging to safeguard the institution from what he described as attempts by “conmen” to take it over.
Speaking in Mt. Elgon, Bungoma County, on Tuesday, President Ruto said senior hospital officials had approached him to intervene in an alleged hostile takeover.
“Senior doctors, senior professionals from Nairobi Hospital approached me to save Nairobi Hospital from conmen, fraudsters and charlatans who wanted to expropriate it. Nairobi Hospital is a premier medical institution that serves the region. There is no way I am going to allow Nairobi Hospital to be taken hostage by fraudsters,” he said.
He added that legal action had been initiated against those allegedly involved. “I have instructed with clarity that all those who are involved in fraudulent activities in Nairobi Hospital will be removed, taken to court, charged and Nairobi Hospital is going to serve the people of Kenya,” he said.
The controversy follows the arrest of Dr. John Obwaka, admitting consultant and Kenya Hospital Association director, Nairobi Hospital Board vice-chairman Samson Kinyanjui, director Valery Gaya, and former director Chris Bichage. They face charges of conflict of interest, unlawful receipt of benefits, and failure to comply with financial reporting obligations, including allegedly receiving millions of shillings from an insurance agency linked to the hospital.
The matter has sparked public debate, with the United Opposition alleging that President Ruto is seeking a stake in the hospital. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale clarified that Nairobi Hospital is owned by the Kenya Hospitals Association and registered as a company limited by guarantee, meaning it cannot be acquired or privatized. He noted that the President traditionally serves as the hospital’s patron, reflecting its national and regional significance.
