Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has filed an urgent petition at the High Court seeking to stop what he terms as an illegal attempt to take over The Nairobi Hospital through a planned Annual General Meeting (AGM).
In his application, Omtatah argues that the hospital is not a private entity but operates under a trusteeship on public trust land.
He maintains that the facility was built through public and philanthropic contributions and that the President of Kenya serves as its official patron. For that reason, he insists that any major governance decisions must involve the Attorney General.
The senator warned that the upcoming AGM could be used to orchestrate a “coup” aimed at changing the hospital’s ownership and management structure, potentially undermining its public-interest role and reputation as one of East Africa’s leading medical institutions.
Ongoing Disputes and Legal Battles
This latest petition adds to ongoing tensions surrounding the hospital. Earlier in February, Omtatah and other activists secured court orders stopping a previous AGM over allegations of financial mismanagement amounting to KSh9.1 billion and leadership wrangles. Those orders are still in place.
The situation escalated further with the arrest of several board members, including chairman Dr. Barclay Onyambu.
However, the case was later withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions, prompting the hospital’s board to file a suit against the State over what it termed as harassment and unlawful interference.
Fresh Court Orders Sought
In the new application, Omtatah is seeking conservatory orders to block the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA) from holding any meeting that could alter the hospital’s governance before the court fully hears and determines the case.
The matter is expected to be mentioned in court next week, with its outcome likely to have major implications on the future management and control of the hospital.
What It Means
The case highlights growing concerns over governance, transparency, and control of key public-interest institutions in Kenya.
If the court sides with Omtatah, it could halt any immediate changes at the hospital and trigger a deeper review of its ownership and management structure.
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