The Meru County Government is facing escalating public outrage following the transfer of Dr. Dennis Mugambi, the Chairman of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Eastern region.
The decision to relocate Dr. Mugambi comes in the wake of his outspoken criticism of Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s healthcare policies and unfulfilled campaign promises.
During the August 2022 campaign period, Governor Kawira Mwangaza pledged to revolutionize the health sector in Meru County once elected into office.
However, in a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that the healthcare budget has been slashed by a staggering Ksh 120 million, directly contradicting the Governor’s initial commitments.
Dr. Mugambi, known for his dedication to advocating for quality healthcare, fearlessly exposed the Governor’s failure to honor promises made to healthcare workers in Meru County.
His recent remarks, delivered just last week, shed light on the vast disparity between the campaign rhetoric and the stark reality faced by healthcare providers and the community at large.
In a move that has shocked many, Dr. Mugambi has now been transferred from his previous position at Kibirichia Subcounty Hospital to the remote Kunati Health Centre, located in one of the farthest regions of Meru County.
This sudden reassignment is widely perceived as an act of retaliation, aimed at muzzling the outspoken doctor and discouraging others from openly criticizing the government’s shortcomings in the healthcare sector.
The public response to Dr. Mugambi’s transfer has been one of vehement outrage, with citizens condemning the Meru County Government for infringing upon freedom of speech and exhibiting a callous disregard for the welfare of the community.
Concerns have been raised about the potential adverse impact on healthcare services in the region due to the relocation of an experienced and dedicated doctor.
Despite the mounting public outcry, the Meru County Government has remained conspicuously silent, failing to issue an official statement addressing the transfer or the concerns expressed by the public.
This silence has further fueled frustration among citizens, intensifying calls for transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic principles.
Civil society organizations, fellow healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens are now rallying behind Dr. Mugambi, urging the Meru County Government to reverse its decision and address the underlying issues plaguing the healthcare sector.
They emphasize the urgent need for an environment that fosters open dialogue and constructive criticism, which are crucial for the improvement of healthcare services and the well-being of all residents in Meru County.
The author is a Digital Strategist. He occasionally writes on matters Technology, Politics and Health
