Thugs break into Lumumba maternity ward, rob lactating mothers

Lumumba Sub-County Hospital in Kisumu where two robbers broke into the maternity ward and stole valuables from mothers. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Police in Kisumu have launched investigations into a bizarre incident at the Lumumba Sub-County Hospital in Kisumu where two robbers broke into the maternity ward and stole valuables from mothers.

The thugs raided the facility around 3am and targeted the post-natal ward where they robbed mothers of phones, money and identification documents.

The hospital's management said two robbers were armed with knives and stones.

"They took four mobile phones from our patients and a purse of a client containing about Sh300 and a national identification card," said Samuel Ochieng', the hospital's administrator.

Kisumu Central OCS Karani Njagi blamed the incident on a security lapse at the hospital.

Njagi said two guards have been arrested as police investigate the robbery.

In a statement signed by the Chief Officer in charge of Communication John Oywa, the county has also pledged to employ various security measures to deter such incidents in future.

"To avoid a repeat of the incident, the County's Department of Medical Services is taking urgent measures that include enforcing perimeter fences and installation of electric fences around county health facilities. Officers found to have been negligent in their duties will also face disciplinary Action," Oywa said.