Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is in the spotlight over allegations that mothers are often raped in maternity wards.
In a series of posts on social media, Kenyans have expressed concerns over the safety of patients is Kenya’s largest medical facility following the allegations.
It is said that mortuary attendants at the facility often sneak into maternity wards and rape defenseless mothers, revelations that have elicited emotions online.
The allegations have attracted the attention of the Ministry of Health which has said that investigations are underway to establish the truth.
“Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu has noted social media reports regarding alleged rape of mothers on their way to and from the Newborn Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital,” reads a tweet from the ministry.
The hospital management has not issued a statement on the matter but the Ministry of Health has requested to be given a full report on Monday 22nd.
“The CS regrets if the alleged are true and has instructed Kenyatta National Hospital management to beef up security measures to protect patients and their relatives. The CS has further ordered investigations into the matter: KNH management and security agents will provide a report on the issue by Monday 22nd January 2018,” read another tweet from the ministry.
In 2013, the hospital hit the headlines after a nurse at the facility defiled a girl who had been admitted after a fire accident. The nurse was suspended from the hospital.
Most mothers through social media have confirmed that giving birth at Kenyatta National Hospital is a harrowing affair. It is alleged that mortuary attendants often waylay new mothers and defile them with some instances happening right inside the wards.
Dr. Ouma Olunga, the Secretary-General of KMPDU has dismissed the allegations saying that the administration hasn’t received any report on any incidence. He says the CCTV cameras haven’t captured any such incidence but promised to carry out further investigations into the matter.