Health Staff Face Heat From Governor Njuki Over Absenteeism, Private Practice Priorities
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki during the Service at PCEA Jennifer Njuki Memorial Church. Photo/ Alex Njeru
By Alex Njeru
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has sounded a stern warning to county health workers who are neglecting their public duties in favor of running or attending to their private clinics.
Addressing congregants on Sunday during a service at the PCEA Jennifer Njuki Memorial Church in Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency, Governor Njuki expressed concern over growing complaints from patients regarding slow or absent medical attention at public hospitals despite the county having employed a significant number of healthcare professionals.
“I have information that there are many health workers who have concentrated on their private health facilities, neglecting their duties at public hospitals,” said the visibly irate governor. “I will be making impromptu visits to these facilities and anyone found abandoning their duties will face serious disciplinary action.”
Njuki emphasized the county’s investment in the health sector and warned that any form of laxity will not be tolerated, particularly from public servants who continue to draw salaries while underperforming.
The governor also updated the public on the restoration of services at Chuka County Referral Hospital, which had experienced disruptions following a power surge that crippled the outpatient block.
He announced that the county has since installed a high-capacity generator to ensure continuity of services during blackouts and replaced the equipment damaged during the incident.
Expanding his tough talk to other departments, Governor Njuki warned all county employees against complacency and laziness, urging them to justify their salaries through dedicated service delivery.
The governor also took a swipe at political opponents eyeing his position, cautioning them to hold their ambitions until the right time.
“Elections are not near. This is not the time for early campaigns. We still have work to do,” Njuki remarked, adding that all county staff should focus on their current roles instead of engaging in premature political activities.
Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisrael stood firmly by the governor’s stance, praising Njuki’s leadership and reaffirming their joint commitment to fulfilling their development agenda.
He accused certain politicians of sabotaging tax collection efforts and misleading the public into demonstrations under false pretenses of failed development.
“Let’s be honest about our financial challenges instead of inciting the public. We must protect our institutions and work together to find solutions,” said Muisrael.
Speaker of the County Assembly John Mbabu echoed similar sentiments, commending Governor Njuki for uniting the county leadership and overseeing transformative projects.
He pledged that the county assembly would continue supporting the executive in its development plans.
Meanwhile, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), led by Godfrey Murithi (Karingani), Justin Kithinji (Magumoni), and Zachary Njagi (Igambang’ombe), condemned leaders allegedly inciting tax boycotts.
They warned that areas resisting revenue collection would not benefit from county-funded development projects.
“If you ask your people to stop paying revenue, then don’t expect your ward to benefit from money collected in others,” said Mr. Njagi.
Mr. Murithi noted that over 50 percent of local revenue comes from Karingani ward, yet he has never demanded preferential treatment in terms of development.
The MCAs maintained that tax sabotage is politically motivated and intended to undermine Governor Njuki’s administration.
In a show of political loyalty, the MCAs declared their intention to support Njuki’s bid for the senatorial seat in 2027 or any national government appointment he may pursue.
“Whether he runs for Senate or joins the national government, we will support him all the way,” said Mr. Kithinji.
The unfolding political undercurrents and governance issues in Tharaka Nithi signal a potentially heated lead-up to 2027, even as Governor Njuki maintains that service delivery remains his top priority.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Porsche 911 GT3: The driver’s car that defies the spec sheet
- Name, shame, ban: Police put violent political actors on notice ahead of 2027
- Kanja puts recruits through their paces ahead of Kiganjo passing-out
- Humbelani Priscilla Nemanzemba: Building Africa’s entrepreneurial future, one business at a time
- Salary: The sweetest contraceptive ever invented
About the Author
