KNH apologizes, launches disciplinary action after father alleges extortion

The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has moved to address a complaint raised by a parent who accused a staff member in the Surgical Ward 4C discharge unit of corruption, abuse, and unprofessional conduct.

In a statement issued on Friday, the hospital said it had already taken “immediate and decisive action” against the officer linked to the incident, noting that disciplinary proceedings were underway in line with its Human Resources policy.

“We wish to sincerely and unreservedly apologize to the affected family for the immense frustration and distress caused. The reported conduct is unacceptable and does not represent the values or the standard of care we are committed to providing at KNH,” the facility's Acting CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe stated.

KNH further confirmed that the child at the centre of the complaint had since been discharged, adding that reimbursement to the family had been initiated.

 The hospital reiterated its commitment to fairness, integrity, and compassionate service delivery.

The response comes after a distressed parent took to social media alleging that an officer stationed at the Social Health Authority (SHA) discharge desk in Ward 4D had subjected him to humiliation, favoritism, and extortion while he attempted to have his child released.

According to the parent, Kinoti Joseph, he had been queueing for hours - spanning two days - when the officer repeatedly ignored waiting patients and instead attended to individuals she allegedly called aside privately.

When he questioned the alleged preferential treatment, Joseph claims, the officer became confrontational, banged her office door, and later summoned him inside.

He says she then fined him Ksh.2,070 for what she said was an extra day of overstaying after discharge.

After rushing to pay the amount at the Malipo Center, he returned expecting to complete the process, only to be told he would not receive his child until he wrote an apology letter stamped by the area Chief.

“I never insulted her or caused a scene—I only questioned her favoritism and suspicious behavior,” he said, adding that the experience left him feeling helpless as his child remained stuck in the ward over what he perceived as intimidation and corruption.

Joseph later claimed that he they were later chased out of the facility, presumably after his post went viral, and dismissed the claim by the hospital that he was refunded.

“No, KNH has not refunded the Ksh 2,070 'apology fee' their officer forced me to pay yesterday,” he wrote.