GOVERNOR MUTHOMI NJUKI FACES IMPEACHMENT DAYS AFTER DISAGREEING WITH DUALE

The Universal Healthcare (UHC) workers have called for the impeachment of Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, just days after he publicly disagreed with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

In a statement on Wednesday, the healthcare workers accused the governor of gross misconduct and mismanagement. They urged county legislators to begin impeachment proceedings immediately.

The group criticized Njuki’s opposition to the Ministry of Health’s plan to absorb more than 7,000 UHC staff into permanent and pensionable terms. They said his remarks were “insensitive and misleading” and undermined the welfare of healthcare professionals.

“We categorically distance ourselves from the reckless, insensitive, and misleading remarks made by the chairperson of the Council of Governors. His statements are an insult to the sacrifices of healthcare workers,” the workers said.

The UHC staff also demanded a public apology and called for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate alleged graft under Njuki’s leadership. They further threatened demonstrations at the Tharaka Nithi County Headquarters until their demands are addressed.

Earlier this week, CS Duale announced that 7,414 verified UHC workers would be absorbed into government service by September. He said the decision followed a nationwide verification process by the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors.

But Governor Njuki pushed back, arguing that the move contradicted previous agreements between national and county governments. He said absorption should only happen if the Treasury allocates adequate funding and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approves the scale.

“The Council wishes to clarify that it does not concur with the Ministry of Health’s position. The statement contradicts the previously agreed position between the National and County Governments,” Njuki stated on Tuesday.

The standoff has set up a fresh confrontation between the governor and healthcare workers, raising tensions in Tharaka Nithi as calls for his impeachment gather momentum.