The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has said he participated in the sacking of the former Social Health Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elijah Wachira.

In an interview with a local TV station on Friday, November 15, 2024, Atwoli stated that as a board member of the authority, he represents the workers.

“I represent workers on that board, and last Tuesday, I was part of those people who made changes by showing the acting SHA CEO the way out,” Atwoli said.

Compulsory leave

Wachira was sent on a compulsory leave for 90 days as the government launched investigations on his conduct during his tenure at the helm of the health authority.

“This is to inform you of the resolution of the board to send you on compulsory leave effective immediately for a period of 90 days to allow for further investigations on your professional conduct and performance as the acting CEO of the Social Health Authority,” SHA board chairperson Abdi Mohamed stated.

“While on leave, you shall be entitled to all your current remuneration and benefits. The board has further appointed Robert Ingasira as the acting CEO while you are on leave. Therefore, please hand over the office to him immediately.”

Mohamed was appointed by President William Ruto through a gazette notice on September 17, 2024, to replace Timothy Olweny, who had been chairperson since 2023.

“The President of the Republic of Kenya and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces appoint Mohammed Abdi Mohammed (Dr.) to be the Chairperson of the Social Health Authority for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 17th September 2024,” the notice read in part. 

Sitting with Mohamed on the SHA board are Zakayo Gichuki, Jacinta Mutegi, and COTU boss Francis Atwoli.

Atwoli’s promise

During the interview on Friday, November 15, 2024, Atwoli said that he would resign from the SHA board if any money was to be lost fraudulently.

“I will ensure that every single cent coming into the SHA goes where it is intended to go. No single cent will go astray when I am on that board. If it happens, I will resign,” Atwoli stated.

Appeal to bishops

He appealed to the Catholic bishops to support the government in implementing the programme, noting that the challenges witnessed were teething problems of an otherwise good initiative.

“Let us distance ourselves from politics in the implementation of SHA. I heard our Catholic bishops complaining about the implementation of SHA, yet they are the people who are having faith-based hospitals,” he noted.