Former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura has resigned as Chairman of the Board at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), barely eight months after his appointment to the position.
In his resignation statement issued on Tuesday, Gitura explained that he did not want to send mixed political signals to Kenyans, given his well-known opposition to President William Ruto’s administration.
The former lawmaker, who was gazetted as chair on December 20, 2024, acknowledged that holding the position made it difficult for him to criticise government policies, especially on governance and corruption, freely.
He stressed that his resignation was guided by his political convictions, noting that he does not support the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government or its policies.
“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,” Gitura stated.
“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,” he added.
Despite stepping down, he commended KUTRRH, describing it as a successful institution that has significantly reduced the need for Kenyans to travel abroad for specialised treatment.
He acknowledged that his role at the hospital had been impactful, but maintained that politics ultimately defined his identity. “I have resigned due to the personal conflicts I have mentioned. True, I may be doing a good job at helping make positive change at the hospital, but I am a politician,” he remarked.
Gitura previously served as the board chair of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic before President Uhuru Kenyatta revoked the entire board's appointment.
Later, Uhuru appointed him to the Communication Authority of Kenya board as the chairperson in March 2021. He was appointed to serve for a period of three years.
He was elected Murang’a County’s first senator in 2013 under the Jubilee Party, serving until 2017.
He also served as Deputy Speaker in the Eleventh Parliament and later contested the Murang’a gubernatorial seat in the 2017 General Election, where he was unsuccessful.
