Vanesa Ogema, the woman seen in a viral video harassing staff at Port Victoria Hospital has been released on a KSh 200,000 bond after denying charges.
Ms. Ogema was charged today with assault, causing malicious damage to property, and issuing threats of injury to persons employed in public service.
She previously went into hiding following the incident but on Sunday, January 7 surrendered herself to the police in Busia.
She was arraigned today January 8, in a Busia court where she denied charges and was released on a KSh 200,000 bond with a surety of the same amount without an option for cash bail.
On Friday, January 5, staff at the Port Victoria Hospital went on strike protesting the mistreatment of its workers, a move that saw patients leave the facility to seek treatment elsewhere.
The video in question
In a video that circulated widely on social media, Ms. Ogema is seen harassing a nurse Port Victoria Hospital, asking for her patient to be given preferential treatment.
She is also seen throwing items off the table and claiming to inform a cabinet secretary of the situation. Ogema was alongside a male companion who watched as she humiliated a nurse on duty.
The incident evoked heated reactions from Kenyans and different players in the health sector, including the Cabinet Secretary for Health Susan Naakhumicha, who said she ‘would not allow health workers to be disrespected’.
Nairobi Women’s Hospital College takes action
Following the incident, it was uncovered that Ms Ogema is a student at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital College enrolled in the Theatre Technology Program awaiting graduation.
The college condemned her actions saying,
“We strongly condemn the regrettable actions displayed by Ms. Vanessa. These actions do not align with the values and standards we uphold at NWHC. As an organization, we are committed to nurturing compassionate and responsible professionals.”
The college apologized for the incident adding,
“We have initiated an internal investigation to gather all relevant information and will institute appropriate measures in line with our institution’s policies and procedures. We extend our sincere apologies to the affected hospital and their staff for any inconvenience caused by Ms. Vanessa.”
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