Senate summons Susan Kihika over War memorial saga
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika during an event on February 7, 2023.
Pressure has continued to mount on Governor Susan Kihika over the closure of the Nakuru War Memorial hospital following the controversial takeover by the county administration.
Members of the civil society have joined the members of staff in their appeal for the re-opening of the facility while the governor is faced with summons to appear before the senate committee to respond to queries relating to the hospital saga.
The more than 300 workers at the hospital whose salaries were suspended following the closure of the hospital, have lamented the numerous challenges they are facing after losing their sources of income.
The hospital matron Patricia Musale, made an appeal to the governor to address the plight of the workers who have gone without the salary for the last 5 months and have been unable to meet their needs.
Matron at Nakuru war memorial hospital Patricia Njeri during an interview on January 24, 2024.
“We have patients who have received treatment for more than 15 years and have been waiting for the reopening of this hospital to continue receiving their services. We also have staff who have never gotten any jobs since we stopped paying them and life has been tough for them,” said Ms Musale.
Governor Kihika is also required to appear before the Senate standing committee on Friday to shed light on a number of issues relating to health in the county.
The senate in its invite letter to the governor dated May 12 wants the governor to respond to queries relating to the closure of the War Memorial Hospital, allegations of procedural dismissal of health workers and the general state of health care in Nakuru county.
“This is to inform you that the Committee considered the statements and resolved to invite you to a meeting of the Committee to be held on Friday, 17th May, 2024 in Committee Room 4, First Floor, Bunge Tower Building, Nairobi at 9.00 a.m,” read part of the letter by Mr JM Nyegenye- the clerk of the county Assembly.
Mr Benson Macharia, the chairman of Friends of Devolution lauded the move by the senate to summon the governor which he said will provide room for her to clear the air on the saga.
Mr Macharia said the residents are keen to understand why the county is determined to close the hospital as well as the reason for the disobedience of court orders.
“We want the governor to appear before the Senate to explain why the county is yet to reopen this hospital despite the court orders as well as tell us why her administration dismissed health workers illegally,” said Mr Macharia.