Four more directors of Nairobi Hospital, including Board Chairman Barcley Onyambu, have recorded statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) amid ongoing probes into alleged mismanagement.
The hospital’s management, led by the embattled board members, later held an emergency meeting to discuss tensions between the hospital’s patron, President William Ruto, and the Board of Management—a situation that has already seen four senior officials charged with alleged misconduct.
A day after President Ruto revealed he had issued instructions for the arrest and prosecution of three active and one former director, the four additional directors were summoned to the DCI.
“They had summoned the directors here in the morning, and we complied. The exercise involved writing statements and taking of fingerprints. Our clients have so far complied with all requirements,” said Duncan Okubasu, one of the lawyers representing the directors.
The four senior officials subjected to six hours of interrogation included board chairman Barcley Onyambu, the company secretary, and two other directors. Advocates confirmed that the authorities also requested documents related to tax returns.
The lawyers noted that they had presented an anticipatory bail order protecting their clients from arrest.
“We have categorically placed an anticipatory bail, and if we are needed to appear in court, then we will. I hope they will respect that,” stated advocate Victor Omwebu.
The summons at DCI headquarters comes just 48 hours after Director Job Obwaka, Vice Chairman Samson Kinyanjui, Board Member Valarie Akinyi Gaya, and former director Chris Bichange pleaded not guilty to charges including conflict of interest, unlawful receipt of benefits, and failure to comply with financial reporting requirements.
“They have no wrongdoing and will cooperate with investigative agencies,” Okubasu added.
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