Police probe theft of ultrasound machine at Kapenguria Hospital

A sonographer conducts an ultrasound examination in a past photo. An ultrasound machine went missing from the Kapenguria County Referral Hospital. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The ultrasound machine disappeared on Tuesday night.
  • Police are already questioning suspects.

Police in West Pokot County are investigating the alleged theft of a Sh450,000 ultrasound machine at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital.

The machine, donated by Saving Mothers initiative, disappeared on Tuesday night.

As a result, patients have been forced to reschedule appointments.

INVESTIGATION

Speaking to the Nation in his office, Kapenguria OCPD Anthony Wanjuu said no arrests have been made but suspects are being questioned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers in the county.

“We visited the scene with the Divisional Criminal Investigations Officer.

“Kapenguria Hospital Medical Superintendent, one nurse and two Kenya Police Reservists who were on duty are being investigated. The portable equipment got lost between 7.30pm and 8pm,” said Mr Wanjuu.

Recently, there was a public outcry over poor services, poor management and rise in maternal deaths at the hospital.

Since January, eight mothers have died while giving birth and eight newborns died in incubators following a power outage. The hospital’s power supply was cut over a debt.

BLAME

Some leaders have accused Health Executive Dr Nicholas Atudonyang, who is also the deputy governor, of operating from abroad.

They said he is not performing and called for his sacking.

Pokot South MP David Pkosing, Woman Representative Lillian Tomtom and Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto blamed the county government for the “deplorable health services” at the hospital.

“Mr Atudonyang must relinquish the position if he knows that he can’t stay in Kenya and work for Pokots. We hear that there is a go-slow at the hospital,” said Mr Pkosing

The leaders accused the county government of failing to improve healthcare.

“They must rectify the mess. Many patients are referred to other hospitals outside the county.

“We are getting many complaints and the situation is pathetic…Our people have cried a lot,” said Mr Pkosing.