The High Court has suspended ongoing investigations into Nairobi Hospital’s affairs and prohibited authorities from freezing the phone numbers and bank accounts of its senior management. Justice John Chigiti issued the order in response to a petition filed by the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), challenging the legality of the probe initiated by investigative agencies.
Previously, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor had secured a court order allowing detectives to seize documents and electronic devices from the hospital’s senior offices. However, KHA’s lawyer, Gitobu Imanyara, argued that the investigation was an attempt to intimidate officials amidst an ongoing leadership dispute rather than a legitimate law enforcement effort. The association also raised concerns over potential violations of patient confidentiality under the Health Act, 2017.
Justice Chigiti certified the matter as urgent, suspending any further enforcement of the search warrant and setting a hearing for April 7. Meanwhile, Nairobi Hospital assured the public that it is working with the Data Protection Commissioner to safeguard patient data. Additionally, KHA CEO Dr. Felix Osano and eleven senior managers were granted anticipatory bail after claiming they were facing harassment over a board membership dispute.
