Goons storm Nakuru disputed hospital, threaten staff

Uncertainty surrounds the handing over of Nakuru War Memorial Hospital to its private management from the county government.

A group of hired goons stormed the hospital minutes after County Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi effected court orders regarding the eviction of county officials from the facility.

Speaking to People Daily, hospital chief executive Patricia Musale said the goons invaded the hospital in an organised group in the afternoon.

“As soon as police officers left the hospital, the goons came in and threatened us to leave the facility. All the staff had to evacuate for their safety,” said Musale. By the time of going to press, Musale was moving across various police offices seeking to have officers permanently stationed at the hospital.

“We need police officers to ensure the hospital is protected and evict the goons who are still inside the hospital. Their intentions are still unclear,” said Musale.

County Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi had appeared in court earlier in the morning after the Environment and Lands Court summoned him.

Ndanyi had been given orders to supervise the exit of the county government from the facility after they took it over forcefully from the private management.

Since Monday, Ndanyi had not appeared in his office, forcing the hospital management to move back to court, seeking orders to compel him to abide by the court directive.

On Thursday last week, Ndanyi was directed to appear before Justice Anthony Ombwayo to explain his failure to enforce the orders or else he would be sentenced for contempt.

Appearing before the court yesterday morning, Ndanyi said he was out of office for official and personal duties and had just returned.

“There is also a procedure that requires such an order be discussed by various security committees before being enforced. I was also waiting for directions from them,” said Ndanyi.

Justice Ombwayo, however, could not hear Ndanyi’s explanation and gave him two hours to implement the orders or get sentenced by the court.

“Regardless, court orders are issued to be obeyed and are not negotiable. You have until noon to implement the orders and report back or be handed a sentence,” ordered Justice Ombwayo.