FORMER MURANG’A SENATOR KEMBI GITURA RESIGNS AS KUTRRH BOARD CHAIR

Former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura has stepped down as Chairman of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) board, eight months after his appointment.

In a statement released, Gitura said he resigned to avoid sending mixed political signals, citing his strong opposition to President William Ruto’s administration.

He explained that his position limited his ability to criticise government policies on governance and corruption, noting that his political convictions outweighed his administrative role.

“When I accepted this role, many of my friends and political supporters questioned whether I had shifted my allegiance to UDA. Optics matter. People still linked me to the government,” he said.

“I do not support UDA government policies on virtually all fronts. I do not want to mislead anyone by my actions, words, or deeds. In 2027, every vote will count, and I want my political stand to be clear,” he added.

Despite resigning, Gitura praised KUTRRH for reducing the need for Kenyans to seek specialised treatment abroad. He said his tenure was impactful but maintained that politics ultimately defined his identity.

Gitura previously chaired the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic before the board was dissolved. He later served as chair of the Communication Authority of Kenya from 2021.

He was Murang’a County’s first senator in 2013 and served as Deputy Speaker in the Eleventh Parliament. In 2017, he unsuccessfully contested the Murang’a gubernatorial seat.