The forceful takeover of the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital by the Nakuru county government has left operations at the facility paralyzed.

A spot check by Mtaa Wangu revealed that the hospital is currently inaccessible after its entrance was permanently closed and placed on 24-hour watch by police and county askaris.

Additionally, white fresh paint work has been done on the War Memorial Hospital signage covering up the hospital’s landmark.

Read: What does the law say about Nakuru war memorial takeover?

The gate leading to Nakuru war memorial permanently shut using metal grills on October 29, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

According to a source who sought anonymity, the hospital's morgue is the only facility currently running as six bodies are still being persevered there, awaiting transfers by family members.

“A total of 10 bodies were here and four have already been moved. Family members are expected to process papers with the Annex hospital or transfer the bodies to another facility, “they said.

Notably the padlocks and locked doors at the facility is a first since the hospital was founded 101 years ago.

Also Read: County administration takes over Nakuru war memorial hospital

The tussle between the hospital and the county government of Nakuru comes after the War Memorial Hospital 99 years’ lease lapsed in April 2021.

Nakuru war memorial hospital grounds remain deserted on October 29, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

The land in dispute is 25 acres which the Nakuru War Memorial hospital, PGH Annex and Helipad for the State House sits on.

The visit by the county officials on Friday evening, October 27, saw a transfer of 18 patients to the PGH Annex hospital, other hospitals while some family members took their patients home.

According to a statement issued by the County secretary, Dr Samuel Mwaura, an attempt made by Nakuru War Memorial Hospital in 2019 to extend their lease was turned down.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Related: PGH annex and war memorial hospitals differ on land ownership

Consequently, they are faulting the hospital for allegedly forging payment certificates to acquire an extension of the Lease Title to the land, a matter which they say the County has brought before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for investigation.

Additionally, they have petitioned through the Registrar of Lands to cancel the extended Lease Title and the de-gazettement of the one issued on May 19, 2023.

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Are there any services running at Nakuru war memorial hospital?

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