Cherargei tells off critics of Gaucho’s hospital board appointment amid credentials row

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has come out strongly in defence of youth activist Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, following his appointment to the board of management of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.

Gaucho, a vocal social justice activist and former president of the Bunge la Mwananchi movement, was appointed by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to serve on the board for a three-year term effective April 16, 2026.

His inclusion in the management of the public referral hospital has, however, sparked widespread public debate, with critics questioning whether he possesses the professional qualifications required for governance in a health facility.

But Cherargei has dismissed the backlash as hypocritical, arguing that the same voices that have long called for the inclusion of ordinary citizens—such as youth, boda boda operators and small-scale traders—are now shifting the goalposts.

“When government appointments are made, many people ask where are mama mbogas, boda bodas or youth. But when Gaucho is appointed to serve in government, the same people start questioning about qualifications and credentials. This hypocrisy is nauseating,” Cherargei said.

He urged Gaucho to remain focused and not be distracted by the criticism, encouraging him to serve diligently in his new role.

“To Gaucho, go and serve Kenyans with commitment, zeal and passion. Don’t be intimidated,” he added.

Gaucho rose to national prominence during the 2023 cost-of-living protests, where he became a visible figure in Nairobi’s street demonstrations and a vocal advocate for the urban poor.

His influence in grassroots mobilisation earned him the moniker “Ghetto President” in local political circles.

His appointment alongside five other officials, now places him at the centre of public health governance, tasked with overseeing the operations and management of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, one of the busiest public health facilities serving Nairobi’s densely populated eastern suburbs.

The controversy surrounding his appointment reflects a broader national conversation about the balance between professional expertise and inclusive representation in public service.

While critics argue that technical institutions such as hospitals require individuals with specialised knowledge in healthcare administration, finance or medicine.

"We have Mama mbogas and boda bodas who are graduates, why can't you give them the appointments?" one asked.

"Move around you will find someone who either lost a job or has never found one but is learned. A mama mboga who is learned, conductor plying these routes who has a Masters degree or a boda boda guy who is an undergrad. Those are the people we mean," added another.

As the debate rages on, Gaucho’s tenure will likely be closely scrutinised, with his performance seen as a test case for the role of grassroots leaders in formal governance structures.

Supporters maintain that governance boards also benefit from diverse perspectives, including voices that represent ordinary citizens and service users.

Cherargei’s remarks underscore the political dimension of the debate, framing the backlash as resistance to the very inclusivity many Kenyans have demanded in public appointments.