By S, KNA
The County Government of Mombasa has defended the suspension of the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) CEO, Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla, even as the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issued a seven-day strike notice, alleging political interference in the decision.
The suspension follows the death of a 52-year-old office guard attached to the Mvita MP, Mohamed Machele, Saturday, sparking public outrage, amid reports that the patient died, while awaiting surgery over a Sh350,000 payment dispute at the facility.
The incident has placed the hospital under intense scrutiny, following allegations of medical negligence.
The deceased, Ali Kibwana, a night guard, collapsed while on duty at the Mvita MP’s office. He was rushed to a nearby private health facility for first aid before being referred to CGTRH.
Doctors said the patient had suffered a ruptured brain artery and was managed in accordance with standard operating procedures. They cited a delay in referral from the private facility, noting that he had been scheduled for endovascular coiling in the Cath Lab.
However, the required coil was unavailable due to supply disruptions caused by a huge outstanding debt owed by the Social Health Authority.
The County Executive for Transport, who is also the Acting in the Health docket, Dan Manyala, downplayed the strike threat, stating that suspension of Dr. Khandwalla was a standard procedural measure taken after serious allegations were made over the public facility.
“It does not imply guilt. The CEO will be accorded a fair and expedited hearing before the Hospital Board, with full opportunity to respond to the concerns raised,” said Manyala.
“The purpose of this process is both to determine accountability and to identify any gaps in service delivery or governance that may have contributed to adverse outcomes, to prevent avoidable loss of life and strengthen patient safety at CGTRH,” he added.
The County Executive maintained that the suspension is intended to restore public trust in the county’s premier referral hospital, dismissing claims that the decision was driven by motives other than governance and institutional accountability.
“The CEO bears ultimate responsibility for hospital operations and serves on contract under the supervision of the Board. Our sole focus is the welfare of the people of Mombasa and the integrity of their referral hospital. We extend sincere sympathy to families who have lost loved ones at the facility, including in the incident reported last week,” he said.
Manyala reiterated the County Government’s commitment to ensuring residents of Mombasa receive safe, reliable, and dignified healthcare.
“The County Government cautions any staff contemplating unlawful industrial action. Disruption of essential health services endangers lives and will attract disciplinary action. We will work constructively with all staff committed to serving the people of Mombasa with professionalism and integrity,” he said.
National KMPDU Chairman Abidan Mwachi termed the suspension as illegal and politically motivated. The union is demanding that the decision be revoked and that a neutral team appointed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) be constituted to conduct an independent investigation.
“We hereby issue a seven-day strike notice commencing February 24 and lapsing at midnight on March 3, 2026 should the above concerns not be addressed,” he said, adding that elective procedures would be suspended, with only emergency services continuing during the notice period.