A senior official from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union has come out to defend Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja following the controversial appointment of social commentator Gaucho to the board of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
The appointment, made public through a recent gazette notice, indicated that Gaucho and several other individuals will serve on the hospital’s board for a period of three years.
The move immediately sparked debate among Kenyans, with many questioning the criteria used to select board members for such a critical public health institution.
Critics argued that individuals appointed to hospital boards should possess a background in healthcare or related fields, raising concerns about professionalism and effective oversight.
Some members of the public went further to describe the appointment as a possible political reward rather than a merit-based decision.
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However, speaking in response to the backlash, KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah defended the governor’s decision.
In a statement dated April 19, 2026, Miskellah emphasized that the law allows for community representation in the management of public health facilities.
“Governor Sakaja is very right in appointing Gaucho. The Facilities Improvement Financing Act requires the community to have a say in how the funds are utilised in hospitals,” he stated.
Miskellah further criticized what he described as elitist attitudes among Kenyans, noting that leadership at such levels should not be limited strictly to medical professionals.
According to him, diverse representation ensures that community voices are included in decision-making processes affecting public healthcare services.
Despite the defense, the appointment continues to draw mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing debate over governance, professionalism, and public participation in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
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