Gachagua sustains attack on Ruto over Nairobi Hospital
National
By
Julius Chepkwony
| Mar 18, 2026
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on President William Ruto to stop meddling with the operations of Nairobi Hospital.
Speaking in Njoro during a funeral service for the late Margaret Kiongera, Rigathi said they had already raised concerns about alleged interference on Sunday.
“On Sunday, we told the people of Kenya that there was a plan to take over Nairobi Hospital, a private facility, and we called him out. His minister said it would not be interfered with,” he said.
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Rigathi alleged that President Ruto had sent the Attorney General to the hospital to intimidate and coerce directors into restructuring shareholding to facilitate a takeover.
“When it became too intense, they arrested the directors to intimidate them into ceding the hospital to the President and his associates,” he claimed.
He added that public outcry forced a shift in stance.
“He has now changed tune, claiming he was intervening to save the hospital from being looted, and as President, he will not allow that to happen,” Rigathi said.
Private entity
He maintained that the hospital is a private entity and should be left alone.
“I want to remind the President that this hospital is privately owned. Keep off—you have no business in a private company,” he said.
Rigathi further argued that if the President is concerned about healthcare, he should focus on the challenges facing Kenyatta National Hospital.
He claimed the facility lacks essential supplies, including blood, reagents, drugs, and food, alleging that patients sometimes die due to hunger.
“Instead of interfering with Nairobi Hospital, which is operational, address the challenges in Kenyatta National Hospital—that is where the real problem lies,” he said.
Rigathi also suggested that the government should settle the Sh1.1 billion debt owed to Nairobi Hospital if it wishes to support it.
Additionally, he raised concerns about the issuance of national identity cards in Nakuru, alleging that some communities face difficulties accessing the service and calling for equal treatment of all Kenyans.