KEWOPA chair Purity Ngirici calls for probe into KNH rape claims

Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) chair Purity Ngirici has called for tough action against perpetrators of the alleged physical and psychological abuse against new mothers at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

In a statement sent to media houses on Friday, Ngirici said the allegations that mothers faced abuses at the hospital were unfortunate calling on Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu to take action against those involved.

“The CS in charge of health has ordered that investigations begin but that is not enough. Some people slept on their jobs and put their lives of others in the hands of criminals,” she said.

“We therefore wish to call upon the relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure the guilty parties are prosecuted and the safety of the mothers safeguarded.”

The Kirinyaga Women Representative further questioned why the New Born Unit (NBU) was set on the third floor far from the mothers who are located on the ground floor, calling for an adjustment of the same.

“We shall not keep quiet. We shall speak out for the dignity and safety of mothers…we will not tolerate such negligence.”

Several other leaders including Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris and Senator Johnson Sakaja have also come out to condemn the incident.

Speaking after visiting the facility and meeting some of the victims, Sakaja called on the authority to investigate the matter and take action against those found culpable.

“We will ensure all the allegations are taken seriously and investigated expeditiously. Care of our mothers must be taken seriously and their security guaranteed.”

In her response, KNH CEO Lily Koros however defended the placement of mothers and babies in different floors saying it is because they are in different departments.

“Mothers and babies are in 2nd floor and ground floor respectively because they are under different departments.”

She further stated that those who have been affected should register their complaints through suggestion boxes provided.

There was a public outcry after several postings on social media claims that mortuary attendants and other patients at the Kenyatta National Hospital are engaging in a despicable act of attempting to rape mothers of new born babies.

The report caught the attention of CS Mailu who called for immediate investigation into the matter.

CS Mailu expressed his regrets and ordered the KNH management to beef up security to protect patients and their relatives promising to issue a report on Monday.