Swift Security Action Foils Hospital Equipment Theft in Trans Nzoia

Clerics in Trans Nzoia County have praised security personnel at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital for their quick response that led to the arrest of a suspect attempting to steal vital medical equipment worth approximately Sh700,000.

Speaking to the media on Sunday in Kitale Town, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Barasa Simiyu of the Greater Victory Fellowship Kenya commended the officers for their vigilance, noting that their swift intervention prevented a major loss that could have severely affected healthcare services in the county.

“Were it not for the timely action of the security teams, these essential medical items would have been lost and possibly never recovered,” said Bishop Barasa.

He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to partnering with county authorities to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly by enhancing primary healthcare systems and expanding service coverage for over 1.5 million residents in the cosmopolitan county. According to the bishop, this collaboration aligns with the healthcare improvement agenda championed by George Natembeya.

The bishop further highlighted the role of faith-based organizations in supporting the health sector, citing significant donations from international partners. He pointed to contributions from Bishop Dr. Eddie Warren of the International Network of Affiliate Ministries based in Quincy, Illinois. Bishop Warren, who also pastors the Cathedral of Worship, works closely in Kenya with Apostle Dr. Stephen Ruto and Bishop Barasa to support healthcare initiatives.

Meanwhile, the hospital’s Board Chairman, Professor Dr. Ferdinand Nang'ole, applauded the coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies. He singled out Capricon Security Services, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Critical Infrastructure Police Unit (CIPU) for their alertness and professionalism in safeguarding critical medical resources.

The suspect, identified as Humphrey Masika, was apprehended on April 2 at the hospital gate while attempting to leave with the stolen equipment. Reports indicate that the items were part of donations intended to upgrade theatre and gynecology services across healthcare facilities in the county.

Authorities revealed that an alleged accomplice managed to escape, prompting an ongoing manhunt by detectives from the County Criminal Investigations Department. A Probox vehicle believed to have been used in the attempted theft was seized and towed to a nearby police station as investigations continue.

Governor Natembeya issued a stern warning against theft and mismanagement of public resources, emphasizing that his administration will not tolerate any form of pilferage in public institutions. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.

“We are committed to ensuring that all public health facilities are adequately equipped and that resources meant for wananchi are protected,” the governor stated.

The incident has sparked renewed calls for enhanced security measures in public hospitals, even as stakeholders rally behind efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and accountability in Trans Nzoia County.