Universal Healthcare (UHC) workers have called for the impeachment of Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki over his opposition to the Ministry of Health’s plan to absorb UHC staff into permanent, pensionable positions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 27, the workers described Njuki’s remarks as “insensitive and misleading” and urged Tharaka Nithi County Assembly members to initiate impeachment proceedings for gross misconduct and mismanagement of healthcare personnel.
The staff warned of demonstrations at the Tharaka Nithi County Headquarters should the governor fail to retract his statements. They also called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate alleged graft cases tied to Njuki since taking office.
“We categorically distance ourselves from the reckless, insensitive, and misleading remarks made by Governor Njuki. His statements insult the sacrifices of healthcare workers and misrepresent the reality in our counties,” the statement read. “Under his leadership, nepotism, corruption, and mismanagement have persisted. We demand a public apology to healthcare workers nationwide,” it added.
On Monday, August 25, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that over 7,000 verified UHC staff will be absorbed by September 2025. Duale explained that the absorption followed a nationwide verification process conducted in collaboration with the Council of Governors (CoG).
“Consequently, the remaining 7,414 staff will be categorized into two groups: those in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues. Active staff will be formally transitioned and absorbed from September 2025,” Duale stated.
However, a day later, Governor Njuki said the move contradicted the previously agreed terms between the national and county governments. He argued that absorption should only proceed if sufficient resources are allocated according to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) scale, and after the payroll transfer to county governments is agreed.
“While acknowledging ongoing collaboration between the two levels of government in managing UHC staff, the Council clarifies it does not concur with the Ministry of Health’s position. The press statement contradicts prior agreements between the national and county governments,” Njuki said.
 workers have called for the impeachment of Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki over his opposition to the Ministry of Health’s plan to absorb UHC staff into permanent, pensionable positions.){kind=link}