Kenyatta National Hospital has opened disciplinary action against one of its staff members accused of soliciting a Ksh2,070 bribe from a father who was trying to have his child released from the surgical ward.
The move comes after the parent shared his ordeal online, sparking public outrage and forcing KNH to issue a statement on Friday acknowledging that preliminary checks had established the officer was part of the team handling Social Health Authority (SHA) clearance at the facility.
In its statement, Kenya’s largest referral hospital distanced itself from the behaviour reported, saying it fell far below the values the institution expects from its staff.
“The reported conduct is unacceptable and does not represent the standards of care we are committed to providing at KNH,” the hospital said.
Acting CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe confirmed that formal disciplinary proceedings were underway and noted that the money the parent paid would be refunded.
How the Incident Unfolded
The father’s detailed account posted on X, where it had drawn more than 200,000 views by the time of publication painted a picture of frustration, intimidation and alleged corruption inside the discharge office.
He said he spent two days trying to secure his child’s release but was repeatedly ignored, even as the officer allegedly attended to people she appeared to know personally. According to him, he watched others “jump the queue” while he stood waiting for hours.
When he questioned what was happening, he claims the officer became confrontational, stormed out of the office and banged the door behind her. She later summoned him back and fined him Ksh2,070, saying his child had “overstayed” by an extra day.
The father said he went ahead and paid the amount at the Malipo Centre, only to face yet another demand: he would not be allowed to leave with his child unless he wrote an apology letter to the officer a letter that also needed to be stamped by the local chief.
He maintains he never insulted the officer or caused a disturbance, insisting that all he did was question what he felt was blatant favouritism.
“My baby is being held at KNH just because I refused to bow to corruption and humiliation,” he wrote.
KNH has since confirmed that the child was discharged after the complaint was lodged and that a refund process is underway.
The case has reignited ongoing concerns about corruption within public health facilities, especially around discharge and clearance offices where parents and caregivers often feel vulnerable.
