KNH Refuses to Conduct an Operation on Murder Suspect Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu over Unpaid Bills

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has reportedly refused to carry out surgery on murder suspect Joseph 'Jowie' Irungu, who is accused of killing businesswoman Monica Kimani.

Irungu was taken to the hospital on Monday and was scheduled to undergo an operation on the left side of his chest where he has a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Standard reports that tKNH denied Irungu the procedure over Sh31 million debt in unpaid bills the Prisons Department owes the facility.

Irungu, who is currently being held at the Industrial Area Remand Prison after the court denied him bail, was scheduled to be admitted to Ward 6A for the procedure.

KNH has been turning away all inmates and remandees until the department clears the huge bill. Sources say Irungu and other inmates have been surviving on painkillers even in instances that require urgent attention.

A few weeks ago, the Principal Secretary in charge of State Department for Correctional Services suspended the payment of Sh6 billion pending bills until companies that supplied goods and services justify their pay.

Director of Clinical Services at KNH Peter Masinde says the Prison’s account has been frozen, forcing the facility to only handle emergency cases from the Prisons Department.

“They have got a debt of Sh31 million, so we are treating their patients who are emergency cases only. They have promised to clear it, but we don’t know when,” says Dr Masinde.

Irungu's lawyer Sam Nyaberi confirms his client wasn't admitted for the operation over the bill.

“Prisons owes KNH a lot of unpaid bills. Jowie’s parents paid some money for purposes of securing that operation. KNH said they don’t deal with individuals if they have been brought in by the prisons authorities … it’s a procedural standoff,” says Nyaberi.

“He is not being treated. There are no check-ups. These guys just stamp his documentation and say they have seen him, and give him painkillers.”