Unveiling the Intrigues: CS Nakhumicha’s Revelations on Ruto’s Firing of Former PS Josephine Mburu
On Monday, May 15, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha detailed the intrigues that led to the dismissal of former Public Health PS Josephine Mburu by President William Ruto.
Hours after Mburu’s release, the CS indicated that Ruto consulted her as a consultant as the Head of State sought a solution to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) scandal involving mosquito nets.
According to Nakumicha, it was unclear whether the PS was involved in the incident. but Ruto’s demand for accountability led to her dismissal.
Nakhumicha explained that Mburu’s role as PS was to be the ministry’s accounting officer. And she was expected to have actively participated in KEMSA’s bidding processes.
She stated that Mburu’s involvement in the scandal would be exposed once the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) concluded its investigations.
“I have participated in today’s decision-making process. According to my knowledge, I have served as the President’s primary advisor.
“I cannot specifically say whether she was involved or not. Principal Secretaries are the ministry’s accounting officers. She stated, “It is expected that they will interact with the institutions daily regarding such matters.”
On the other hand, the CS stated that the government had yet to determine the amount of money lost. As the contract had not yet been awarded.
Notably, Ruto fired the PS a day after promising to take action. In response to a scandal that could have resulted in Kenya being blacklisted by major health donors. Including the Global Fund.
ALSO READ: Ruto takes decisive action: PS Josephine Mburu fired and KEMSA Board dissolved
“I do not wish to discuss it at this time. You will observe the outcomes. I want to give you my word that we will clean up KEMSA. Whatever it takes,” Ruto declared in a May 14 roundtable interview with media outlets.
Ruto appointed Mburu on December 2, 2022, and she took her oath of office on that date. She was the first PS to be terminated, and she worked for 163 days.
KEMSA Scandal
In its audit, Global Fund – the donor for the mosquito nets program – revealed that some ministry officials allegedly misappropriated Ksh184 million out of the Ksh3.7 billion allocated.
The donor also demanded a refund of the lost funds, issuing an ultimatum to officials involved in the scandal.
During Mburu’s dismissal, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei stated, “The alleged maladministration on the part of KEMSA relates to the procurement of treated mosquito nets for vulnerable households, which could have led to significant exposure to the disease and an increase in its severity in endemic regions.”
This was the donor’s second time requesting a refund.
In another audit conducted in March 2023. Global Fund discovered that health officials involved in an AIDS sensitization program misappropriated Ksh40 million.
Bill Gates and his ex-wife Melinda Gates are major contributors to the Global Fund. Which has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Unveiling the Intrigues: CS Nakhumicha’s Revelations on Ruto’s Firing of Former PS Josephine Mburu
HEY READER. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SITE BY CLICKING ADS. DON’T FORGET TO HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL FOR MORE UPDATES AROUND THE GLOBE.
