By Alex Njeru
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has called for a nationwide headcount of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) medical staff, citing the presence of nearly 3,000 ghost workers in the system.
Speaking during the Maraka Day celebrations at Kibugua Stadium in Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency, the governor also expressed concerns over the ongoing strike by over 8,700 UHC workers, including 219 from Tharaka Nithi County.
Governor Njuki lamented the current arrangement where UHC workers serve under county governments but are paid by the national government, calling it unsustainable and chaotic.
“We must do a headcount for UHC workers because we have 3,000 ghost workers among them,” he said, urging the national government to provide counties with the payroll to enable accurate auditing.
The governor emphasized that the health sector was suffering due to the delay in absorbing UHC staff into permanent and pensionable terms, a core demand in the ongoing strike that has paralyzed services in several counties.
On politics, Njuki reiterated Tharaka Nithi County’s support for President William Ruto and his deputy, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, distancing his county from Mt Kenya region calls to support impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua or joining the opposition.
“Those asking our people to join Wamunyoro are lost. We will remain in this government,” he declared. “We cannot say the opposition is good because the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is in government. Raila is a political genius, and no one should try to emulate him.”
Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency MP Patrick Munene and Njuki’s Deputy Nyaga Muisrael also vowed to continue supporting Ruto’s government and urged locals to have confidence in its performance.
Turning to development, the governor took aim at the national Department of Public Works for delays in completing the Tharaka Nithi County headquarters in Kathwana.
However, he expressed optimism after President Ruto agreed to hand over the project to the county.
“In less than one year, the building at Kathwana will be completed and will accommodate all our workers,” Njuki promised.
He also announced plans to upgrade local health facilities. Kibugua and Mbukoni Health Centres in Chuka/Igambang’ombe will be elevated to Level Four facilities to support the now Level Five Chuka County Referral Hospital. Muthambi Health Centre in Maara Constituency and Gatunga Model Health Centre in Tharaka will also be upgraded.
In his address, Governor Njuki emphasized the importance of unity in Tharaka Nithi, warning against divisive politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are one people in a small county. Politicians dividing our people along sub-ethnic lines will not win. I will stand to champion unity.”
He dismissed early campaign tactics, saying the electorate will choose leaders based on development track records rather than tribal or regional affiliations.
Njuki also raised alarm over the growing menace of illicit alcohol, urging both levels of government to intensify the fight against the trade that has devastated families and youth.
Praising the national government for creating new sub-counties in Tharaka Nithi, he said the move would bring services closer to the people and create employment opportunities. He promised that the county would construct a new stadium at Kibugua within six months to serve the new sub-county.
“Every sub-county deserves a stadium and other public facilities. Working with national leaders, we will make that a reality,” he assured the crowd.
Members of County Assembly led by Magumoni ward representative Justin Kithinji also called for the unity of the county and promised to continue supporting Governor Njuki to his work.
The Maraka Day celebrations were also attended by county officials, national government representatives, and hundreds of residents.
Similar Posts by Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER May 20, 2026
- A Review Of The Last White Man In Contemporary Paradigm
- Adan Mohammed named new KRA Commissioner General
- Kenya grinds to a halt as opposition rallies behind fuel protests
- Choromai urges farmers to embrace planting season as he ramps up development message in Kieni constituency
Mt Kenya Times 
DPCS 
Felix Njenga