War Memorial Hospital, a venerable institution serving the community for over a century, has emerged victorious in a recent court battle against the Nakuru County Government. Despite this legal triumph, the hospital remains mired in conflict and interference, with hired goons infiltrating the facility and six court orders being disregarded by the county authorities.
The legal struggle began when the Nakuru County Government challenged the validity of War Memorial Hospital’s lease title. Originally granted in 1922 and renewed for another 50 years in 2021, the lease faced abrupt cancellation on May 19, 2023, following a complaint lodged by the county government. This cancellation has sparked a protracted legal and operational battle, deeply impacting the hospital’s ability to function effectively.
The Nyandarua Environment and Lands Court has been pivotal in the ongoing dispute. The court issued six orders between October 2023 and January 2024, aimed at protecting the hospital from any interference by the county government. These orders explicitly prohibited the Nakuru County Government from tampering with the hospital’s operations and property.
However, the county authorities have reportedly flouted these court orders, leading to further complications. Despite the court’s clear directives, the hospital staff and management have encountered significant obstacles in accessing and operating within the facility. The situation has been exacerbated by the intrusion of hired goons, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty for the hospital’s personnel.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the perplexing role of the Land Registrar, Erick Nyamu. The registrar issued a notice of the ‘loss’ of the hospital’s title certificate, despite no such loss being reported by the hospital’s management. This action has raised questions about the motives behind the interference and the integrity of the land registration process.
In response to the ongoing non-compliance with court orders, the county police commander has been tasked with ensuring adherence to the legal mandates. Despite this directive, the hospital continues to face considerable challenges, with its efforts to regain control and ensure the safety of its staff being thwarted by external disruptions and legal obfuscations.
The situation at War Memorial Hospital underscores broader concerns about governance and accountability. The repeated disregard for court orders by the Nakuru County Government not only undermines the rule of law but also jeopardizes the healthcare services provided by this historic institution. The hospital’s management remains in a state of limbo, grappling with the dual challenges of legal battles and operational disruptions.
As the legal proceedings continue, the War Memorial Hospital’s staff and the community it serves are hopeful for a resolution that will allow the facility to resume its critical healthcare functions without further interference. The hospital’s long-standing legacy and its role in the community make it imperative that a fair and just resolution is reached, ensuring that its operations can proceed smoothly and in accordance with the law.
In summary, while the court has sided with War Memorial Hospital, the ongoing issues with the Nakuru County Government highlight a significant challenge. The persistent defiance of legal orders and the involvement of questionable tactics reflect a troubling trend that needs addressing to protect the hospital’s future and the well-being of the community it serves.
