Court certifies urgent case seeking reinstatement of ousted Nairobi Hospital chair

Chris Bichage, ousted chairman of the Nairobi Hospital Board/SCREENGRAB

The High Court has certified as urgent an application seeking to reinstate Chris Bichage as the chairperson of the Nairobi Hospital board.

However, Milimani Law Court Judge Moses Ado did not grant any interim orders but directed that all parties be served within 10 days, with the case set for mention on April 8.

“The application is hereby certified as urgent. The respondents are to file their respective responses within 10 days from today,” ruled Justice Ado.

Bichage has moved to the High Court, challenging the legality of his removal as board chair on March 10.

He argues that he was unlawfully ousted in violation of the Companies Act, the Articles of Association, and the Constitution.

He contends that he was not given an opportunity to be heard before the decision was made.

“Through a notification dated March 10, 2025, the respondents unprocedurally and unlawfully purported to remove and demote me from my position as chairperson,” reads part of the court documents filed by Benedete, Valentine Law & Associates.

Bichage argues that his removal undermines the independence and operational integrity of the Kenya Hospital Association and jeopardises the interests of its members and Nairobi Hospital subscribers.

According to Bichage, his removal is not provided for under the hospital’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Bichage maintains that since his reappointment as board chair in December 2024, he has only served for three months, despite his tenure being set at one year.

“The respondents have demonstrated urgency in implementing their decision without giving due regard to my right to a fair hearing and fair administrative action, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” Bichage argues.