Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended the appointment of politician Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, to the board of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, saying the decision was meant to strengthen the connection between health facilities and the communities they serve.
Speaking during a meeting with Nairobi County community health promoters at State House on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Sakaja said the hospital board was intentionally constituted to include both healthcare professionals and community representatives.
The governor said the mix of experts and grassroots leaders allows hospitals to benefit from professional knowledge while also remaining responsive to the needs and concerns of residents.
Addressing criticism that followed Gaucho's appointment, Sakaja said community representatives play an important role in helping bridge the gap between medical staff and ordinary wananchi.
President William Ruto (centre), Health CS Aden Duale(L) and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during an event at State House, Nairobi on July 25, 2026.
PHOTO/PCS
According to the governor, the approach has contributed to the improved performance of Nairobi County health facilities, which he said are now among the best-performing hospitals in the region.
“When selecting board members, we mixed professionals—such as doctors, medical experts, and professors—with local community representatives. Some elite individuals began complaining, asking how we could appoint Gaucho to the board. However, community leaders like him serve as the bridge between medical professionals and the local mwananchi.”
Sakaja's remarks come days after Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also defended Gaucho over the criticism that followed his appointment to the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Board.
In a statement shared through his X account on Monday, April 20, 2026, Cherargei criticised what he described as double standards among Kenyans, arguing that Gaucho's appointment should be viewed in the context of community representation rather than professional status alone.
Nairobi County Community Health Promoters at State House, Nairobi on July 25, 2026.
PHOTO/PCS
Gaucho's appointment was formalised through Gazette Notice No. 5733 dated April 16, 2026, issued by Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Suzanne Silantoi. The notice appointed him to serve on the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Board for a three-year term alongside other members, while revoking all previous appointments.
The board is chaired by Dr Elvis Meli and includes Dr Chama Nzai, Susan Wanjiru Kamau, Knight Medza Kaingu, Abdalla Ali and Gaucho as members.
The gazette notice stated: “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 9 (j) of the Facilities Improvements Financing Act, 2023, the County Executive Committee Member responsible for Health Services in Nairobi City County hereby appoints the listed persons as members of the respective Nairobi County Level 4 and Level 5 Hospital Boards, with effect from 16th April 2026, for a term of three (3) years.”
The appointment has continued to draw public attention, with supporters saying it recognises the value of community leadership in public health management, while critics have questioned Gaucho's suitability for the role. Sakaja, however, maintains that effective hospital boards require both professional expertise and leaders who understand the day-to-day concerns of the communities served by public health facilities.