'People have reached their peak,' Senator Karanja warns Governor Kihika over War Memorial hospital saga

In a press address on Sunday, Senator Karanja sustained her allegations against Kihika that she unlawfully ordered the county government officers to man the facility and deny anyone seeking access.

The orders, which she claims were given to Nakuru County police commander Samuel Ndanyi, have resulted in the death of patients and workers being rendered jobless.

"Are you doing justice when you refused to obey 6 court orders? When over 300 health workers are rendered jobless, when thousands of patients are seeking medical attention, when you send country askaris to forcefully transfer patients who are on life-supporting machines against their will," she posed to Governor Kihika. 

The Senator further countered Commander Ndanyi's testimony in court that he had withdrawn the officers from the said facility, alleging that the officers are still there and operations have remained paralysed.

"The police confirmed that they are under firm instructions by the county police commander through our governor to deny any access to both management and patients," she noted.

Following the continued defiance from the governor, Senator Karanja has said that the residents will now take the matter into their own hands and she is willing to comply.

"I'm sorry to tell the governor I think they (people) have reached their peak now meaning they will apply Article 1 of the constitution. I have no option but to comply."

The Nakuru War Memorial Hospital management and the Nakuru County government have been embroiled in a tussle over the 25-acre piece of land.

In October last year, the Nakuru County government took over the management of the hospital on grounds that the management had forged documents.

The county government had sought orders to take over the hospital in 2023 but the court halted the process. The county however began the takeover process in 2024 with county askaris reportedly raiding the hospital.

Meanwhile, Governor Kihika is expected to appear before the Senate's Health Committee to respond to the accusations.