Former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura resigned as Chairman of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Board Tuesday in a surprise move.
This was barely eight months after his appointment, citing political and personal conflict.
Gitura revealed in a statement that his decision was influenced by political considerations, noting that he has never supported the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government and continues to oppose its policies.
The former senator, who is a former deputy speaker of the senate and was gazetted as chair on December 20, 2024, acknowledged that holding the position made it difficult for him to freely criticize government policies, especially on governance and corruption.
“When I accepted this role, many of my friends and political supporters questioned whether I had shifted my allegiance to UDA.
I explained that this was not a political appointment, but optics matter.
People still linked me to the government,” he said.
“For the record, I do not support UDA government policies on virtually all fronts.
I do not want to mislead anyone by my actions, words, or deeds.
In 2027, every vote will count, and I want my political stand to be clear.”
Gitura, who vied in 2022 on a Jubilee ticket, explained that his resignation was not due to any shortcomings at KUTRRH, which he praised as a successful institution that has reduced the need for Kenyans to seek treatment abroad.
