KNH Issues Apology, Begins Disciplinary Action After Parent Reports Extortion Incident
The institution reiterated its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and compassionate service to all patients and families.
The KNH Accident and Emergency Department. PHOTO | COURTESY
By Ruth Sang
Kenyatta National Hospital has apologised and taken disciplinary action against one of its staff after a complaint was filed by a father who accused a member of staff from the Surgical Ward 4C discharge section of extortion, misconduct, and unprofessional behaviour.
In a statement issued on Friday, the hospital said it had already initiated prompt action against the officer involved in the allegations and affirmed that internal disciplinary processes had started based on the institution’s Human Resources policies.
“We extend our sincere and unconditional apology to the affected family for the anxiety and inconvenience this incident has caused. Such behavior is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values or the quality of care that KNH strives to uphold,” said Acting CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe.
KNH also clarified that the child involved in the matter had been released from the hospital and that the process of refunding the family had begun. The institution reiterated its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and compassionate service to all patients and families.
The hospital’s response came after a viral social media post by the distressed father, Kinoti Joseph, who detailed his ordeal at the Social Health Authority (SHA) discharge desk in Ward 4D, claiming the officer on duty had subjected him to humiliation and corrupt practices as he tried to secure his child’s discharge.
Joseph said he had been queuing up for extended periods over two days, but the officer kept bypassing the queue and instead attended to people she was said to have called aside. He said when he complained about what he considered favoritism and suspicious behavior, the staff threatened him and kept banging the door of her office before later calling him inside.
He claims that she then fined him Ksh.2,070, saying that his child had overstayed by an extra day after discharge. He rushed to make the payment at the Malipo Centre and returned, only to be informed that his child would not be released until he wrote a signed and Chief-stamped apology letter.
Joseph insisted he had not insulted the officer or caused any disturbance and maintained that he merely questioned what he perceived as unethical behavior. He is distressed and said that the situation has left him with feelings of powerlessness as his child remains in the ward based on what he described as intimidation and extortion.
He later reported that he was eventually chased out of the facility, allegedly after his story went viral online. Joseph also disputed KNH’s claim that a refund had been processed, insisting publicly that no money had been returned to him. “KNH has not refunded the Ksh 2,070 ‘apology fee’ their officer forced me to pay,” he wrote.
About Author
