Police are investigating an incident in which suspected thieves gained access to Lumumba Hospital in Kisumu and stole from lactating mothers in the antenatal ward.
The thieves are believed to have gained entry into the facility by jumping through the hospital's perimeter wall around 3 am on Wednesday.
They entered the postnatal ward and stole phones and other personal belongings of the lactating mothers before escaping.
The hospital administrator Samuel Ochieng noted that the suspects had knives and stones, but was happy that none of the patients were injured.
"The suspects must have jumped over the fence because they didn't go through the hospital's main entrance which had guards and clients who came to seek services at the facility," he said.
The administrator noted that as a facility, they had contracted a security firm with seven guards stationed at night.
Only four guards were present at the facility during the night of the incident.
"On this particular night, we came to realize that there were no guards at the entrance of the post-natal ward, and even the guards stationed behind the facility were also not present. We are following up on the matter with the security firm to find answers."
In a statement to the media, Chief Officer-Communication, Public Affairs and Special Programs John Oywa said the police and hospital administration are actively investigating this matter.
Oywa noted that the hospital administrator and security officers who were on duty have recorded statements with the Police.
"To avoid a repeat of the incident, the county's department of Medical Services is taking measures such as enforcing perimeter fences, including installation of Electric fences in County Health facilities."
"Officers found to have been negligent in their duties will face disciplinary Action and we want to take this opportunity to apologize to clients affected by the incident."
