The Nairobi Hospital.
A fresh court fight has erupted at Nairobi Hospital after Dr Barcley Onyambu was replaced as chairman of the premier facility in a boardroom coup.
High Court judge Nixon Sifuna on Thursday certified a case filed by Dr Job Obwaka as urgent and blocked a two-day planned retreat in Naivasha or any board meetings, chaired by Dr Onyambu.
Dr Obwaka said in the petition that Dr Onyambu has continued to issue directives to the staff as the chairperson yet he was removed through a board resolution on June 30 and was replaced by Mr Herman Manyora.
“Till then, an interim conservatory order is hereby issued, restraining the defendants from convening or continuing with any retreats or board meetings, including the one scheduled for 3rd to 4th of July, 2025,” said the judge.
Justice Sifuna directed the parties to appear before him on July 7, for directions.
In March, Dr Chris Bichage was removed as the chairperson of the premier hospital and was replaced by Dr Onyambu.
There are several cases pending in court, including a matter challenging capital intensive expenditure as well as resolutions passed during an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on December 4, 2024.
Another case pending in court is a petition challenging a probe by a multi-agency team led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), over claims of abuse of office, conspiracy to commit crimes and money laundering.
Dr Bichage also challenged his removal arguing that it not only undermined the independence and operational integrity of the hospital but also jeopardises the interests of its members and the subscribers of the institution.
In the latest case, Dr Obwaka sought a court order restraining Dr Onyambu from engaging in any conduct that undermines or interferes with directions and resolutions issued by board chaired by the new chairperson.
He also sought an order blocking Dr Onyambu from issuing directives in the capacity or assuming any role or responsibilities assigned to the new chairperson.
Dr Obwaka said the board constituted on June 30, 2025 and unanimously resolved to remove Dr Onyambu as the chairman of the board and then passed a resolution electing Mr Manyora, a University of Nairobi lecturer as the chairman of the board.
However, the CEO under the directions of Dr Onyambu allegedly declined to effect the changes derailing the operations of the hospital.
“Consequently, as it stands, the changes in particulars of the Board of Management leadership are yet to be effected by the 1st defendant (CEO Felix Osano), which has resulted in unrest and tension among the board members,” he said.
He said a joint board of management and board of trustees retreat was to be held in Naivasha and that there was sufficient doubt on the part of the board that there are plans to disrupt the changes.
