The Board of Management at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital has strongly rejected allegations made by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that mothers are giving birth on the floor and that the facility is in a deplorable condition.
Hospital’s Response
In a statement issued on Friday, February 20, and signed by Board Member Dorcas Kemunto, the Board described the claims as misleading, inaccurate, and unfair to both staff and patients.
“We strongly condemn these allegations in the clearest and most unequivocal terms. The claims are misleading, inaccurate and unfairly portray this facility as incapable of delivering safe and dignified care,” Kemunto said.
She added that such remarks risk misinforming the public and eroding confidence in frontline health professionals.
Hospital Capacity and Upgrades
According to the Board, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital is one of the busiest public health facilities in Kenya, attending to over 2,000 patients daily. Its maternity wing conducts more than 30 safe deliveries each day, while the hospital performs 15 to 25 surgical procedures daily.
Kemunto emphasized:
“We categorically state that mothers are not giving birth on the floor under the current administration.”
The Board also highlighted several upgrades at the facility, including:
- A well-stocked pharmacy
- A fully functional Social Health Authority (SHA) system supported by help desks
- Modern diagnostic and laboratory equipment
- A fully operational blood bank
- Functional PICU and NICU units, which have reduced referrals to Kenyatta National Hospital
Call Against Politicizing Health Services
The Board urged political leaders to avoid using public health institutions as platforms for political contestation.
“Public health institutions must not be used as platforms for political contestation, particularly where statements risk creating unnecessary panic and eroding public trust,” Kemunto said.
Background
The response follows remarks made on Wednesday by MP Babu Owino, who alleged that the hospital was in a deplorable state, claiming mothers were delivering on the floor and accusing the facility of negligence.
The Board has since called on the legislator to withdraw the remarks and issue a public apology to the hospital’s administration, staff, and patients.
Conclusion
The exchange underscores the tension between political oversight and healthcare service delivery in Kenya. While the hospital insists it has made significant strides in capacity and infrastructure, the controversy highlights the need for constructive dialogue between leaders and institutions to ensure public confidence in healthcare systems.
