Prof Olive Mugenda Resigns as KUTRRH Board Chair Amid Protests and Leadership Shake-Up
Professor Olive Mugenda has stepped down as Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Board following widespread protests on Monday.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced on Tuesday that President William Ruto had accepted her resignation.
President Ruto also disbanded the entire KUTRRH Board, initiating the process of reconstituting it immediately.
“President William Ruto has received and accepted the resignation of Professor Olive Mugenda as Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital Board with immediate effect,” Hussein Mohamed stated.
Additionally, KUTRRH CEO Ahmed Dagane has been directed to take indefinite leave, and Dr. Zainab Gura has been appointed as the Acting CEO. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa implemented these changes.
Isaac Kamau, recently named Acting CEO by the board, was relieved of his duties and directed to report to the Ministry of Health Headquarters. On November 28, the board had resolved to place Kamau on leave.
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“You are hereby appointed to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer (Ag. CEO) with immediate effect from the date of this letter. Your appointment remains in effect until further notice and appropriate allowances will be provided. The Board looks forward to efficient and effective service delivery,” the board stated in Kamau’s appointment letter.
Through a gazette notice, CS Barasa also revoked the appointments of Kavinya Mwendwa and Gladys Ogallo as members of the KUTRRH Board, effective immediately.
On Monday, KUTRRH staff staged demonstrations outside the hospital, blocking part of Thika Road while chanting slogans such as “Mugenda Must Go.” The protests highlighted allegations of mismanagement within the hospital’s leadership.
The staff petition, endorsed by representatives of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), outlined 10 demands for improvement at the institution before work could resume.
Despite grievances voiced since the onset of the pandemic, staff complained that conditions at the hospital have remained unchanged since 2019.
KUTRRH was declared a state corporation in 2019 through an executive order by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. It is part of the national health network that includes Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Prof Olive Mugenda Resigns as KUTRRH Board Chair Amid Protests and Leadership Shake-Up
