Dr John Ong’ech, a senior gynecologist and obstetrician who was picked to act as the CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital declined the offer for fear of standing against cartels.
According to reports by the Daily Nation, Dr Ong'ech revealed that the job involved dealing with too many politicians who wanted things done their way.
Ong’ech, who was appointed to take over from the suspended CEO Lilly Koros, stated that he could not take up the job because of the tenderpreneur cartels.
He also noted that the same cartels were interested in controlling the institution’s budget that runs into billions of shillings.
[caption caption="Dr John Ong'ech"]
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“This is a job of managing a budget of almost Sh15 Billion per year and 4,000 staff. It also has unlimited access to power and influence," Dr Ong'ech stated.
"I declined based on the history of previous CEOs who did not have a good ending,” he added in an exclusive interview.
The doctor, however, stated that he would still serve as a gynaecologist to improve the lives of women.
His admission has put the facility in the spotlight as the hospital fights to redeem its lost glory.
Dr Ong'ech revealed that a former CEO was reportedly pulled from his house at gunpoint, and claimed that previous office holders left the institution under a cloud of controversy, often influenced by politics.
[caption caption="Suspended KNH CEO Lilly Koros"]
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“I am not ready to replace the suspended KNH boss Koros,” Dr Ong’ech added.
