Former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura has stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Board at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
His resignation comes only eight months after he was appointed to the role, a decision he says was guided by his political principles and long-standing opposition to President William Ruto’s administration.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Gitura explained that remaining in the role created confusion among Kenyans about his political stance.
He pointed out that many people believed his acceptance of the position was a show of support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government, yet in truth, he strongly opposes its policies.
“When I accepted this role, many of my friends and political supporters questioned whether I had shifted my allegiance to UDA,” Gitura said. “I explained that it was not a political appointment, but public perception matters. People continued to link me to the government because of the role.”
The former senator made it clear that his opposition to the UDA administration remains firm. He stressed that holding such a senior public position limited his freedom to criticise the government openly, especially on issues of governance and corruption where he has always been vocal.
“I do not support UDA government policies on virtually all fronts,” he stated. “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.”
Despite stepping down, Gitura commended KUTRRH for the progress it has made in delivering specialised medical services locally. He praised the hospital as a model institution that has reduced the need for Kenyans to seek treatment abroad.
He admitted that he had contributed positively to the hospital’s growth but underlined that politics continues to define who he is. “I have resigned due to the personal conflicts I have mentioned. It is true I may be doing a good job in helping make change at the hospital, but at the end of the day, I am a politician,” he remarked.
Kembi Gitura is no stranger to high-profile leadership roles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as the board chair of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), before President Uhuru Kenyatta dissolved the entire board over accountability concerns.
Following that, in March 2021, former President Kenyatta appointed him as chairperson of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) board, where he was to serve for three years.
In politics, Gitura was elected Murang’a County’s first senator in 2013 on a Jubilee Party ticket and went on to serve as the Deputy Speaker in the Eleventh Parliament. He later contested the Murang’a gubernatorial seat in the 2017 General Election but was unsuccessful.
His resignation now adds to the growing list of political figures who have chosen to distance themselves from the Ruto government, with Gitura making it clear that he prefers to stand firmly by his political beliefs rather than compromise his convictions for public office.
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