Frustrated Parent Accuses KNH Officer of Corruption and “Baby Held Hostage” in Discharge Dispute
NAIROBI, Kenya – A public outcry has erupted after a parent detailed a harrowing ordeal at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), alleging that a discharge officer in Surgical Ward 4C is corrupt, abusive, and is effectively holding their baby hostage over a refused apology.
The incident, which unfolded over two days, stands in stark contrast to an official press statement released by the hospital’s management on November 14, 2025, which acknowledged “serious concerns” in the same ward and promised decisive action.
A Parent’s Frustrating Ordeal
In a desperate public plea, the parent narrated their experience trying to secure their child’s discharge from Ward 4C. According to the account, the SHA (Senior House Officer) at the 4D discharge office has been operating with blatant favoritism.
“We’ve been here since yesterday, yet she just walks out, brings in others, processes them fast, and leaves the rest of us stranded,” the parent stated.
The situation escalated when the parent politely questioned the officer’s unfair queue management. In response, the officer allegedly became angry, banged her office door, and later summoned the parent inside.
Inside the office, the officer imposed a fine of Ksh 2,070, claiming the baby had “overstayed an extra day after discharge.” The parent immediately rushed to the hospital’s payment center (Malipo Center) and settled the amount.
However, upon returning with the payment receipt, the parent was met with a new, shocking demand. The officer reportedly refused to process the discharge unless the parent wrote a formal apology letter to her, stamped and authorized by a local Chief.
“I never insulted her or caused a scene – I only questioned her favoritism and suspicious behavior,” the parent asserted. “Right now, my baby is being held at KNH just because I refused to bow to corruption and humiliation.”
Hospital Management’s Official Response
Coincidentally or in direct response to this and similar complaints, KNH released a press statement on the same day, titled “UPDATE ON THE COMPLAINT REGARDING THE DISCHARGE PROCESS IN SURGICAL WARD 4C.”
In the statement signed by the Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the hospital acknowledged the “serious concern” and offered a “sincere and unreservedly apology to the affected family for the immense frustration and distress caused.”
The hospital confirmed that “disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the KNH officer in question, who is part of the team handling SHA clearance.” It also confirmed that the patient in the official complaint had been discharged and that reimbursement to the family had been initiated.
The statement concludes by reiterating KNH’s “commitment to upholding the highest levels of integrity, fairness, and compassion.”
A Clash of Narratives
The situation presents a stark contradiction. While the hospital’s official communication projects an image of control, accountability, and resolution, the firsthand account from within the ward suggests the alleged misconduct is ongoing and directly impacting families.
The parent’s plea, tagged to various government officials and media personalities, is a call for immediate intervention, highlighting a gap between the administration’s promises and the reality on the ground.
As of the time of reporting, it remains unclear if the specific child mentioned in the parent’s account has been discharged. The incident raises serious questions about accountability, corruption, and patient rights at Kenya’s largest referral hospital.
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