UK minister under fire for funding Kenyan hospital accused of detaining mother
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UK minister under fire for funding Kenyan hospital accussed of violating human rights after detaining a mother
UK minister under fire for funding Kenyan hospital accussed of violating human rights after detaining a mother.
Tuesday, June 6, saw a two-hour grilling of UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell on his funding of a hospital in Nairobi that was allegedly holding a new mother against her will.
Mitchell was questioned by UK MPs for overseeing a funds drive that saw the hospital’s receive tens of millions of pounds yet it violated the human rights of the unidentified woman and her newborn.
The hospital in issue allegedly imprisoned the woman over a Ksh225,162 charge, according to information presented by MPs on the international development committee.
In response to the allegations, Mitchell assured the committee that the UK had been updated on her detention’s progress and that extensive measures had been implemented to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
“Obviously, we strongly encourage scrutiny. I hope we will be able to do more to underline the importance of transparency,” the Minister stated.
Mitchell further defended the investments arguing that they were all approved by relevant stakeholders.
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“Investments were made according to instructions from the shareholder at that time. I cannot tell you whether they would be allowed today,” the Minister insisted.
Following the revelation, UK MPs asked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to implement new policies to guide overseas investments. They called for proper scrutiny before releasing the funds.
Currently, the UK is funding projects in the country worth Ksh500 billion. The partnership is aimed to combat climate change, create jobs and generate affordable electricity for Kenyans.
“These investments are flagship projects of the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership – an ambitious five-year agreement which is unlocking mutual benefits for the UK and Kenya,” the UK government stated.
Following incidents of detaining patients, especially women, Nairobi County government changed the management of various hospitals within the city including Pumwani Hospital and Mama Lucy.
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