The Plight of Taita Taveta’s Healthcare and Political Leadership: Where Does Accountability Lie?

 In my last piece, I brought to light the struggles facing our healthcare providers in Taita Taveta, highlighting the catastrophic failure of leadership that has led to a healthcare crisis. Now, as I sift through the September 6th notice from the Taita Taveta County Assembly, I can't help but think of a scenario where a fire engine arrives at a house long after it's been burned to the ground, only to spray water on the embers. This is exactly what the county assembly's belated response feels like—too little, too late.

The notice alleges that the union refused to engage in dialogue with them to resolve the ongoing healthcare strike. But here’s the pressing question: Why didn’t the MCAs request this dialogue before the doctors and nurses downed their tools? This feels like a classic case of reactionary leadership, addressing a crisis only after it has spiraled out of control.

A System on the Brink: Personal Encounters Amidst the Crisis

Just recently, I visited Tsavo Comprehensive Hospital and met a young mother from Mwatate with a gravely ill child. She was desperate, searching for the hospital's CEO—affectionately known as Chief—because she couldn’t afford to pay for her child’s treatment. In this heart-wrenching moment, the CEO displayed something we desperately lack in our political leaders: compassion. He ensured the child received treatment while the mother sought other ways to pay.

This encounter begs the question: How can we allow our healthcare system to deteriorate to the point where patients must beg for help, while our leaders—elected to protect us—stand by and let doctors strike?

Is Governor Wakujaa the Real Problem?

It’s easy to point fingers at Governor Wakujaa, and to some extent, he deserves the blame. After all, the buck stops with him as the CEO of the county. But focusing solely on the governor would be a mistake. Our Members of County Assembly (MCAs) are just as culpable for this ongoing crisis.

A recent allegation claims that MCAs have been influencing the payment of contractors, raising serious ethical concerns. One outrageous case involved an MCA approving a Ksh 1 million gate for a vocational training college, while students in the same college—who could have done the work for free—sat idly by. This is blatant mismanagement, yet we hear nothing from those elected to oversee the governor’s administration.

Contractors have also downed tools, citing non-payment. Is this a tug of war between the MCAs and the county executive? Allegations abound that some county staff only follow orders from individual MCAs, completely disregarding the governor’s directives. If this is true, it’s an indictment on both the county executive and the assembly. Where is the accountability?

Wakujaa, Have You Lost Control?

Governor Wakujaa, you are losing control. How can a county employee defy your orders with no consequence? That employee should have been fired long ago, yet here we are. Why does the County Health CEC's office remain in Wundanyi instead of being stationed at the more centrally-located Moi Referral Hospital? These questions are not rhetorical—they demand answers.

What cartels or political forces are holding your administration hostage? Are you afraid of impeachment by the MCAs, or are they too afraid of you to even attempt it? Either way, the people of Taita Taveta deserve answers. We are tired of the dysfunction and corruption that plague our county. We demand accountability, and we demand it now.

The Winds of Change: A New Chapter in County Leadership

As we bid farewell to the outgoing CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Mining, and Urban Development, Arch Tairo, and welcome the incoming CECM Zighe, it’s hard not to wonder whether this leadership change will bring any real improvement. Will Zighe tackle the corruption and inefficiency that have crippled our county, or will they merely become another pawn in the political games being played at the expense of the people?

Final Thoughts: The Rise of the People

Governor Wakujaa, MCAs, and all elected officials in Taita Taveta—consider this a warning. The people are watching. We have endured enough empty promises, mismanagement, and disregard for our well-being. We will not be silenced much longer. The people of Taita Taveta will rise, and when we do, there will be no stopping us.

The winds of change are blowing, and they will sweep away all who stand in the way of justice, progress, and accountability.

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