By John Kariuki
Nairobi, January 29, 2025 – Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has raised alarm over the detention of new mothers in various hospitals across Kenya due to unpaid medical bills, calling it a gross violation of their fundamental rights.
Citing distressing reports from the National Call Center (0800724344), Wamuchomba stated that many women who have just given birth are being held against their will in hospitals, unable to leave because they cannot afford to clear their bills. She condemned the situation as inhumane and unconstitutional, arguing that no mother should be denied the right to go home and breastfeed her child due to financial constraints.
“This is disrespectful and a violation of the right to healthcare. Release our mothers and babies to go home and breastfeed,” she said in a passionate plea to the government.
Wamuchomba also took issue with the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating that the system is not working as expected. She questioned its effectiveness in addressing maternal healthcare challenges, especially for women from low-income backgrounds who rely on government hospitals for affordable medical care.
The legislator called on county governors to act swiftly and ensure that all detained mothers are immediately released. She specifically named Nyeri Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nyeri County, Nanyuki Referral Hospital in Laikipia County, Thika Level 5 Hospital in Kiambu County, and Mutuini Hospital in Nairobi County as institutions currently holding mothers due to outstanding bills.
Wamuchomba further decried what she termed as obstetric violence, warning that detaining women after childbirth not only strips them of their dignity but also poses serious health risks to both the mother and newborn. She emphasized that such actions violate Kenya’s constitutional right to healthcare, as well as international human rights laws that protect women and children from discrimination and mistreatment.
Her remarks come at a time when concerns are mounting over the accessibility and affordability of maternal healthcare in Kenya. Despite government efforts to improve health services, many women still face financial barriers that limit their access to proper care. The lawmaker stressed that no woman should have to choose between giving birth and financial ruin, adding that the government must urgently reform healthcare policies to prevent such injustices.
As pressure mounts, Wamuchomba has urged civil society, women’s rights groups, and Kenyans at large to join the fight for better maternal healthcare. She insisted that no mother should suffer humiliation, detention, or financial distress for simply bringing life into the world.
“We must stand up for our women. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Let us demand action and ensure that no mother is left behind,” she declared.
With this call to action, all eyes are now on the government and county leadership to see whether they will respond to the growing crisis in maternal healthcare and take decisive steps to end the detention of new mothers in hospitals.