The Kitui County Ministry of Health and Sanitation is sounding the alarm about the improper release of 19 patients from Kitui County Referral Hospital after a visit from former Kitui Governor Charity Kaluki Ngilu on Friday, September 4, 2026.
According to the county’s statement, Ngilu arrived at the hospital around 3:15 p.m., claiming she was there to help mothers with their hospital bills. The hospital management provided her with the necessary information and bills before she made her way to the maternity ward.
However, the county alleges that Ngilu then escorted several patients out of the hospital through Gate A, bypassing the proper clinical and security protocols. Among those affected were 15 mothers and their newborns from the maternity unit, along with four patients from Ward 7.
The hospital reported that these patients left with unpaid bills totaling KSh328,950. Additionally, Ngilu agreed to cover another patient’s KSh15,000 bill, bringing the total outstanding amount to KSh343,950. On September 8, she paid KSh215,000, leaving a remaining balance of KSh128,950.
The County Ministry of Health emphasized that while helping patients who struggle to pay their bills is commendable, such support should go through the hospital’s established systems. They cautioned that political actions should never jeopardize patients’ safety, dignity, or the continuity of their medical care.
The ministry pointed out that patients who can’t afford their bills can be evaluated and assisted through existing channels, including the hospital’s waiver committee. They also encouraged leaders and well-wishers who want to help vulnerable patients to follow hospital procedures instead of removing patients before their clinical and administrative processes are complete.
In the wake of this incident, the hospital has initiated a follow-up effort to locate the 19 patients who left without finishing the necessary procedures.
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