By Lauryne Akoth
The Rift Valley Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Branch has expressed strong disapproval of the Nakuru County Government’s persistent disregard for court orders.
Following a demonstration at the Nakuru County Headquarters, Mr Aston Muchela Ong’enge, the Chairman of LSK Rift Valley Branch Region, urged the devolved unit to respect court rulings.
In the aftermath of the protest, Mr Muchela demanded the immediate reinstatement of Nakuru War Memorial Hospital’s management by the County government in compliance with the court orders until further notice. He insisted that Governor Susan Kihika should offer an unconditional apology to the affected families and publicly commit to always honouring court orders.
The Environment and Lands Court in Nakuru had previously issued directives to Nakuru County Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi, instructing him to enforce measures preventing interference by the Nakuru County Government in the hospital’s operations.
This development stems from an ongoing dispute over a 25-acre piece of land between the county government and the private hospital. On January 23, the Nakuru County Government forcibly took control of the facility, triggering a legal battle.
The court’s decision mandated the police commander to ensure the resumption of services at Nakuru War Memorial Hospital. Justice Millicent Odeny, from the Nakuru Law Court, underscored the significance of maintaining the hospital’s operations without obstruction in her ruling.
A prior judgment had directed the police boss to facilitate the transfer of control from the county to the hospital management.
In a petition, the LSK is demanding the immediate restoration of the hospital’s private management, aligning with court orders issued on January 23, 25, 30, and February 1 and 9, 2024.