The Kitui County government on Tuesday closed Kyuso Level 4 Hospital following the circulation of leaflets targeting hospital staff and all its patients transferred to Mwingi Level 4 Hospital.
Confirming the closure, the County Executive of Health, Dr. Richard Muthoka said the leaflets were warning staff of dire consequences over its management practices and the employment of casuals outside Kyuso area.
“The county regrets the decision to shut down the facility that has been a lifeline support for patients and expectant mothers. We appeal for calm as the investigative agencies swing to action to ensure normal services resume with minimal disruption going forward,” said Dr. Muthoka.
In a letter dated September 3, 2019 by the Hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Daniel Misiani said that following threats posed by unknown entities to staff at the medical facility, the hospital has been closed to pave way for investigations.
“County employees and those supported by implementing partners, as well as those working on locum basis, have thus been released on special leave, to resume duties upon communication of the same,” read part of the letter obtained by Kenya News Agency.
Misiani further said that all current contracts of casual subordinate staff have been terminated with immediate effect.
Over the past few months, the local MCA has had altercations with the hospital management in public over the employment of casuals at the medical facility.
Police in Kyuso and Mwingi are leading the investigations to determine its origin, the authors’ intent and subsequent arraignment in court.
By Yobesh Onwong’a
