Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has once again demonstrated his philanthropic spirit by settling hospital bills for 110 mothers who were allegedly detained at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi due to unpaid medical fees.
In a video posted on Tuesday, November 4, Sonko explained that his intervention followed public appeals for help after a local newspaper highlighted the plight of the mothers. The politician announced that he not only cleared their outstanding bills but also committed to paying their Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums to ensure they have long-term access to free medical services.
“Today marked a significant day for me and 110 mothers who were released from Mama Lucy Hospital after I settled their bills,” Sonko said. “As a long-term solution, I have committed to covering their SHA fees, ensuring they have free access to medical services.”
Aside from clearing the bills, Sonko also offered each of the mothers a small financial token as they left the facility, though he did not specify the amount.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Fredrick Obwanda, denied reports of detaining patients, insisting that the facility was merely safeguarding its financial interests. Obwanda noted that over 100 women had pending bills amounting to about Ksh2 million daily, warning that the hospital risked losing nearly Ksh10 million weekly due to non-payment.
He further attributed the situation to the mothers’ failure to register for SHA, urging Kenyans to enroll to avoid similar cases.
Some of the mothers, however, accused the hospital of poor treatment, claiming they were forced to share beds and even sleep on benches during their stay.
Sonko’s gesture has drawn widespread praise online, with many lauding him for stepping in to support vulnerable mothers facing financial hardship.
