In courts: Directions in graft case against ex-KNH boss

The Anti-Corruption Court is today expected to issue directions in a case involving a former Kenyatta National Hospital chief executive, whose assets valued at Sh229 million were frozen by the High Court last month.

The case arises from an application by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) seeking preservation of the assets as inquiries into alleged financial irregularities at the national referral hospital continue.

The commission also sought an order restraining the former CEO from accessing or transacting funds held in several bank accounts pending the determination of the application.

Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna certified the matter as urgent and issued interim orders restricting any dealings with the properties pending further directions.

In her ruling dated September 29, Justice Njuguna granted a temporary injunction barring any transactions involving the properties, financial instruments, or bank accounts until September 11, 2025, when the matter is scheduled for mention before the recess duty judge.

The frozen assets include real estate estimated at Sh130 million, treasury bonds valued at Sh55 million, and bank deposits exceeding Sh44 million.

Meanwhile, at the Constitutional Court, a petition filed by a mother against Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) and Kenyatta Memorial Funeral Home over the release of her deceased son’s body is set to resume.

The petitioner, Janet Naliaka Kulembi, moved to court seeking orders compelling the two institutions to release the body of her late son, Ramson Wekesa Aluta.

The son reportedly died following an attack by unidentified individuals.

Kulembi said she was unable to raise the outstanding bills required by the hospital and funeral home before the body could be released for burial.

During proceedings, counsel for the respondents urged the court to consider withdrawing the matter, noting that the main grievance had been addressed.

However, Justice Mwita reminded the respondents that only the petitioner could withdraw a case she had filed.

The judge also sought clarification on the hospital’s legal grounds for retaining the body, prompting the respondents’ counsel to explain that the body could only be released after completion of clearance procedures.

Justice Mwita observed that, according to the court record, an order had previously been issued for the release of the body.

In the absence of the petitioner’s legal team, the judge scheduled a mention date for October 29, 2025, to determine whether the petitioner intends to continue with the matter.