Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has broken his silence regarding the appointment of politician Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, to the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital board.

Speaking during a Nairobi County community health promoters meeting held at State House on Saturday, July 25, 2026, the governor defended the decision. He explained that the board was intentionally composed of both professionals and individuals who can effectively bridge the gap between medical staff and the local community.

Addressing the outcry surrounding Gaucho’s appointment, Sakaja emphasized that community representatives like him act as a vital link between health professionals and ordinary citizens (wawakilishi wa mtaa). \

According to Sakaja, this collaborative approach has contributed to Nairobi County hospitals becoming some of the top-performing health facilities in the region.

“When selecting board members, we mixed professionals—such as doctors, medical experts, and professors—with local community representatives. Some elite individuals began complaining, asking how we could appoint Gaucho to the board. However, community leaders like him serve as the bridge between medical professionals and the local mwananchi.”

Nandi senator defends gaucho

This comes days after Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also came out to defend the criticism against Calvince Okoth, popularly known as “Gaucho”, following his recent appointment to the Board of the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.

Taking to his X account on Monday, April 20, 2026, Cherargei has defended the appointment, criticising what he described as double standards among Kenyans.

Gaucho appointment

This comes after Gaucho’s appointment was formalised in Gazette Notice No. 5733, dated April 16, 2026, by County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Suzanne Silantoi. Gaucho will serve a three-year term alongside other board members, with all previous appointments revoked.

Dr Elvis Meli will chair the board alongside Dr Chama Nzai, Susan Wanjiru Kamau, Knight Medza Kaingu, Abdalla Ali, and Gaucho, who will serve as members.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 9 (j) of the Facilities Improvements Financing Act, 2023, the County Executive Committee Member responsible for Health Services in Nairobi City County hereby appoints the listed persons as members of the respective Nairobi County Level 4 and Level 5 Hospital Boards, with effect from 16th April 2026, for a term of three (3) years,” reads the notice in part.