Protesters Vandalise Hospitals Amid Unrest In Kenya
Hospitals in Nairobi and Kitengela were attacked during July 7 protests.
The protests, sparked by the recent death of detained blogger Albert Ojwang, escalated on July 7 as armed groups stormed healthcare facilities in riot-hit areas. In Kitengela, over 100 men forced their way into a hospital to demand urgent treatment for injured demonstrators. Nurse Lilian Nyakhurenya described scenes of panic: “We were many on the shift, and we ran away. Some of us had to wear patients' uniforms to hide.”
The attackers damaged medical equipment and attempted to breach the maternity ward, which was protected with emergency barriers. Six patients were admitted with injuries, and two died of gunshot wounds, local health officials reported.
Nairobi Hospital Also Targeted
In Nairobi’s Embakasi neighbourhood, Bristol Hospital suffered significant losses after armed assailants broke in, looted over 800,000 Kenyan shillings ($6,200) worth of equipment, and assaulted staff. “They harassed our workers, stole personal phones, optical frames, and traumatised everyone,” said Jeff Ngami, the hospital's branch manager.
Kenyan police have yet to respond to requests for comment. The national chairman of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, Peterson Wachira, criticised the government’s failure to ensure safety for healthcare staff. “Yesterday brought to the fore how the government has abandoned the security of the health worker,” he said, demanding armed police protection at hospitals in protest-prone areas.