President William Ruto has addressed claims that he is trying to take control of Nairobi Hospital, insisting his involvement was meant to protect the institution from alleged fraudsters.
Speaking on Tuesday, March 17, in Mt Elgon, Bungoma County, Ruto said senior doctors approached him after they noticed attempts by conmen and fraudsters to take over the hospital.
“As the patron of Nairobi Hospital, senior doctors and professionals from Nairobi Hospital approached me to save Nairobi Hospital from conmen, fraudsters, and charlatans who wanted to expropriate Nairobi Hospital,” he said.
The President stressed that he would not allow the hospital to be taken hostage, and added that those involved in fraudulent activities had been removed and would face legal action.
“Nairobi Hospital is a premier medical institution in Kenya; there is no way I am going to allow it to be taken hostage by conmen and fraudsters. That is why I have instructed with clarity that all those who were involved in fraudulent activities in Nairobi hospital be removed, taken to court, and charged,” Ruto stated.
He also criticized opposition leaders for alleging an illegal takeover, calling their claims baseless. “I want to tell the brainless opposition to find something else to do, leave Nairobi Hospital alone, you know nothing. They are just scavengers scavenging on any headline,” Ruto remarked.
Several officials linked to the hospital are now facing legal action. On Monday, Job Obwaka was charged with failing to lodge the company’s 2022 and 2023 financial statements with the Registrar.
Meanwhile, Chris Bichange and Samson Mbuthia Kinyanjui were charged with receiving millions of shillings from an insurance agency contracted by the hospital’s governing association. Chris Bitange faces an additional charge of accepting a benefit from a third party, contrary to the Companies Act.
The officials were arrested on Saturday, March 13, and spent the weekend in custody before appearing in court.