By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 23, 2026 - Tana River Governor Retired Major Dhadho Gaddae Godhana has dismissed four medics at Hola Referral Hospital following an incident in which a pregnant woman reportedly gave birth in a hospital corridor, triggering public outrage and protests in Hola town.
The governor announced the dismissals while addressing thousands of demonstrators who had taken to the streets to protest what they described as poor service delivery and negligence at the county's main referral facility.
Godhana said the county government would no longer tolerate negligence in the provision of healthcare services, warning that medical personnel and other public officers who fail to perform their duties professionally would face disciplinary action.
He also issued a stern warning to the hospital's management, stressing that accountability must extend to all levels of leadership within the health sector. According to the governor, officials who fail to meet expected standards will be removed from office as part of efforts to restore public trust in county health services.
"We can no longer tolerate this situation. We have given enough time for change, but it has not happened. Those who fail to serve citizens properly must leave," said Governor Godhana.
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The governor apologized to residents over the incident and pledged sweeping reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery across Tana River County. He assured residents that the county government would take concrete measures to address challenges facing health facilities and ensure patients receive dignified and timely care.
The protests were largely led by women, who expressed anger over the incident, describing it as inhumane and evidence of systemic failures within the healthcare system. Demonstrators called for accountability and urgent improvements in maternal healthcare services to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident has reignited concerns over the quality of healthcare services in public hospitals and the treatment of expectant mothers seeking medical attention in county facilities.