Nyong’o outburst over Kalonzo hospital visit rude

Allegations by the minister for Medical Services Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o that Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka overstepped his mandate in visiting the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital are baseless and founded on desperation and lack of responsibility.

It is clear that MTRH is troubled and residents of the entire western Kenya are suffering and dying due to mismanagement of the hospital.

Prof Nyong’o has already conceded MTRH is marred by myriad problems ranging from mismanagement to lack of finances. He went ahead to admit the problems are so entrenched that it will take some time before the hospital is back on its feet.

With this history, therefore, any leader worth his salt should work out a formula that would save lives of Kenyans.

The VP was not the first to go there; earlier this year Prime Minister Raila Odinga visited the facility and held a meeting with its administration.

He even gave an ultimatum that former CEO Prof Harun Mengich should be re-installed, an ‘order’ the minister ignored.

A week before Kalonzo visited the hospital, Eldoret North MP William Ruto was there and prescribed what needed to be done to move on.

Then, one wonders why Nyong’o would vehemently attack the VP on visiting the facility. Is it because he said the Government would inject Sh300 million into the hospital?

Kalonzo was on duty

Nyong’o should understand the VP is a senior member of Government and the principal assistant to the President, Nyong’o’s appointing authority. He is also a dedicated leader, who is on a calling to ensure all Kenyans have access to quality medical care.

By his visit, the VP was only trying to clean Nyong’o’s mess; remember the hospital’s woes can largely be blamed on Nyong’o’s failed responsibility.

After all, in his capacity, Kalonzo can visit any Government parastatal or department with and without a minister’s consent.

Therefore, Nyong’o’s decision to write to Raila and President Kibaki over Kalonzo’s visit to MTRH was uncalled for. Let the good professor appreciate the efforts of other leaders in restoring the operations of MTRH and avoid sideshows.

{Musumbi Kimanthi, Masii}