Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has responded to viral photos showing people sleeping on waiting benches at Nakuru County Referral Hospital, dismissing claims that they were patients forced to spend the night without beds.
The images circulated on social media, with some users criticizing the county government and alleging that patients were being left to sleep on benches inside the hospital.
Responding to the claims, Kihika said the individuals captured in the photos were relatives who had accompanied patients to the hospital at night.
“These are not patients. They are relatives who bring patients late at night. Once the patients are attended to and admitted, those from far wait for morning to be able to commute back home,” the governor said.
She explained that many families travel long distances to seek treatment at the facility and opt to remain at the hospital overnight after their loved ones are admitted because they are unable to travel back home until morning.
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Kihika also recalled a similar incident last year when a security guard attempted to remove relatives who had spent the night at the hospital, triggering public criticism. She said the county subsequently allowed them to continue waiting within the hospital premises.
The governor’s explanation drew support from some Kenyans online, who argued that the area shown in the photos serves as a waiting bay rather than a patient ward.
“Well said, Your Excellency. That is clearly a waiting bay, and the management has thoughtfully provided a comfortable space for relatives to wait. After all, family members accompanying patients need a place to stay while awaiting updates or visiting their loved ones,” wrote Irine Chepkemoi.
Another user, Mwariri Hassan, said the images had been taken out of context, explaining that patients are treated and admitted to wards while relatives who arrive with patients at night often remain in the waiting area until morning due to transport challenges.
“Facts matter. The area shown is the waiting bay at NTRH, not a patient ward. Patients are admitted to the wards, while relatives and caregivers who bring loved ones at night often wait there until morning due to transport and other challenges. Let’s stop the sensationalism,” Mwariri Hassan said.
Viral Photos of ‘Patients’ Sleeping on Benches Spark Public Debate
The photos circulated online showing people sleeping on waiting benches at Nakuru County Referral Hospital sparked debate, with Kenyans claiming the images showed patients being forced to spend the night at the facility without proper care or blankets.
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Individuals were captured lying on hospital benches during the night, triggering criticism from social media users who questioned the state of healthcare services at the facility.
Kenyans questioned the management of healthcare services in Nakuru County, with Medhane Martin alleging that patients were being neglected while criticizing the county leadership.
Another user, Muhati Junior, called for intervention in the county’s health sector, saying that the situation demonstrated poor leadership and a lack of solutions to challenges facing healthcare services.
“Hon Aden Duale should take charge of the health sector in Nakuru County. It’s obvious Susan Kihika has no clue or solution to these matters,” Muhati Junior said.
Owakali also raised concerns about the state of healthcare in the country, saying the situation witnessed at the hospital was part of wider challenges affecting the sector.
“What is happening in the health sector in this country is very shocking, and whoever is behind all this, your time is coming,” Owakali said.
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