By Martin Masai
Turmoil in Governor Wavinya Ndeti's government continued to unfold today with the abrupt departure of the ultra loyalist minister- Daniel Yumbya.
It is a significant blow not just to wavinya but indeed to the county's already fragile healthcare system that Yumbya has propped since his appointment 23 months ago.
Governor Wavinya acknowledged the resignation this evening in a two paragraph statement she personally signed, thanking him for his services to the County.
Dr. Yumbya quit today as County Executive Committee Member for Health, becoming the fourth minister to exit. He now joins Sky Muasya who quit and later followed by Joyce Mwikali Muindi and Mr. Phillip Kilonzo who was dismissed.
A handful of Chief Officers have resigned, the latest being Dr Wycliffe Miyienda,who was Yumbya's Medical Services Chief. That a Health Minister and Medical Services Chief Officer have resigned almost within one month is indicative of a terminal epidemic with the government.
Dr. Yumbya has faced mounting challenges since February in his bid to show stability in the county's hospitals, which have been plagued by a series of debilitating issues.
Hospitals across the county are in disarray, struggling with a myriad of problems ranging from dysfunctional mortuaries, a severe shortage of medical equipment and a critical lack of medicine, not to mention disgruntled staff.
The situation has been exacerbated by demoralized healthcare staff and the closure of intensive care units (ICUs) due to rampant shortage of materials for use.
Hospitals are on record for running without food for patients- a situation that Yumbya has categorically denied and put up shows of a well functioning system.
Insiders speak of a minister cornered not just by his own denials but also by also by corruption networks that oscillate across the entire government and are underpinned by cutthroat psychophantic.
A doctor reacted to Yumbya's resignation saying " It's a welcome, move considering he never listened to anyone even on technical matters". Yumbya holds a honorary doctorate degree.
His resignation is the latest in a series of high-profile departures of officials from Kathiani sub-county. His exit Comes closely on the heels of Mr. Lawrence Ngovi,Wavinya's Chief of Staff, who recently dismissed during a cabinet meeting. This departure marks the sixth individual from Kathiani to leave their government posts in recent months, underscoring the turmoil within the government.
Others are Mr Kilonzo,Mr Mutunga and suspended ECDE Chief Officer Maureen Mwende.
The departures will complicate Wavinya's politics and relationships in Kathiani Subcounty with its significant representation in her government being whittled down.The cumulative effect of these resignations has raised concerns about the stability and functionality of the county's leadership, especially in managing critical sectors like healthcare.
See earlier story here
https://theanchormedia.blogspot.com/2024/08/turmoil-in-ndetis-government-sees-fall.html
Residents and healthcare workers alike are expressing their frustration and fear over the deteriorating state of medical services. "We are facing a healthcare crisis of unprecedented proportions," said a senior nurse who wished to remain anonymous. "The lack of essential medical supplies and equipment, coupled with the loss of experienced leadership, is a recipe for disaster.
"The resignation of Dr. Yumbia, a figure seen by many as a potential stabilizing force, leaves the county's healthcare system in an even more precarious position. With ICUs shut down and hospitals struggling to provide basic care, the urgency for effective governance and immediate remedial action has never been higher.
As the county searches for new leadership in healthcare, the pressing question remains: who will step up to address the healthcare crisis and restore order in the beleaguered hospitals?
The need for a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the healthcare system is critical to ensuring that residents receive the medical care they desperately need.
