Nominated Senator Veronica Maina has defended President William Ruto over his intervention in the affairs of The Nairobi Hospital.

Maina said it would be irresponsible for the government to stand by as the premier medical facility faces challenges.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Maina argued that the hospital plays a critical role not only in Kenya’s healthcare system but also across the region, and therefore warrants urgent attention.

“It will be reckless for any government to sit back and watch an institution like Nairobi Hospital go down,” she said.

Maina revealed that some doctors at the facility have reached out to leaders, expressing concern over the hospital’s situation and seeking intervention.

“Some doctors at the facility have been so desperate and calling people like us and asking, can’t you people help?” she noted.

She emphasised that President Ruto’s involvement is justified, pointing out that he serves as the patron of the hospital.

According to her, it would be inappropriate for him to ignore distress calls from such a critical institution.

“The President is the Patron of the institution, and it would be aloof of him to ignore the facility,” she said.

While acknowledging that the government may not have a direct management role in private healthcare institutions, Maina maintained that it still bears an oversight responsibility, particularly where public interest is concerned.

Describing Nairobi Hospital as a centre of excellence, the senator highlighted its significant contribution to healthcare delivery, noting that it treats more than 290,000 patients annually.

She added that the hospital serves not just Kenyans but also patients from across Africa.

“If you travel within Africa, you will meet many people who will tell you they have been treated at Nairobi Hospital,” she said. “When you have emergencies and very heavy medical complications in the region, most are brought in by air to Nairobi Hospital.” 

Maina also shared her personal experience with the facility, stating that she, along with several Members of Parliament and countless Kenyans, has received treatment there.

The senator called for reforms at the hospital, including the establishment of a transition board that would act in good faith to restore stability.

“Nairobi Hospital needs help, and it needs a transition board that works in good faith,” she said.

Her remarks come amid an ongoing dispute over the management of the hospital.

In November 2025, a group of senior doctors wrote to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, calling for the resignation of the entire Board of Management.

In their letter, the medics proposed the formation of an interim board with a six to ten-month mandate to implement urgent reforms aimed at restoring integrity, accountability, and public confidence.

However, the hospital’s management has dismissed claims of a crisis, distancing itself from assertions made by the doctors. The facility has maintained that it is not in distress, even as calls for intervention continue.