There was drama at the National Aids and STI Control Program (Nascop) on Monday, after Dr Andrew Mulwa, the former Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) acting CEO, stormed the headquarters accompanied by armed security officers.
This came after, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, revoked the deployment of Dr Mulwa, a Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, who had been appointed as the head of Nascop in December 2024.
Dr Rose Wafula, the current head of Nascop, was initially redeployed to the Healthy Aging, Palliative Care, and Older Persons Division.
Mulwa’s action caused tension and panic among employees.
“Everyone at the office is confused after witnessing security officers armed with guns move to offices,” said a witness. “The office environment feels unsafe because we do not know what to expect. Armed police officers are all over. It is so stressful.”
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Witnesses reported that Dr Wafula was forced to leave for safety reasons as Mulwa took over her office.
Employees at NASCOP described the situation as chaotic and unsettling.
Mulwa’s deployment was communicated in a letter dated December 20, 2024, and signed by the Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai.
The letter, which The Standard has a copy, directed Mulwa to assume leadership of Nascop while Wafula was to take up her new role in the Healthy Aging division.
“In order to enhance performance and service delivery in the State Department, it has been decided that the following officers be deployed as indicated below with immediate effect,” read a the deployment letter in part.
However, the deployment was revoked on January 8, 2024, by Dr Barasa.
The CS cited extensive consultations and adherence to human resource policies as the basis for her decision.
“Following extensive consultation during the meeting held with you, the Director General, and Presidential Advisors on Health, as well as subsequent discussions with the respective technical officers, it was unanimously agreed to revoke the recent deployment of officers to and from Nascop and the Division of Health Aging, Palliative Care nd Older Persons,” reads a section of the revocation letter addressed to PS Kimtai.
Barasa’s letter emphasised the need for proper consultation and compliance with established protocols in personnel appointments.
“The decision to revoke the deployment is not in any way a question of the competence or qualifications of Dr Mulwa and Dr Wafula but reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to good governance,” stated the CS.
She further directed that the affected officers be restored to their original positions and that human resource records be promptly updated to reflect the changes.
The letter was copied to the Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, and the Director of Human Resources.
During the Monday incident, sources revealed that no hand over had taken place since the CS had revoked the deployment.
The situation has left many employees anxious about the future of the department.
The leadership wrangles at The Ministry come at a time when the department’s role in combating HIV/Aids and STIs remains critical.
Stakeholders are now calling for swift intervention to restore stability and ensure continuity in service delivery.
As the controversy unfolds, the Ministry of Health’s commitment to resolving the leadership crisis will be critical in maintaining the credibility and efficiency of Nascop, as the technical lead in HIV management as the country works towards ending Aids and new infections by 2030.
‘The Standard’ reached out to PS Kimtai who acknowledged writing the deployment letter to Mulwa and Wafula that was later revoked by the Health CS.
Kimtai said due process is being followed on the matter to avoid wrangles and ensure smooth operation.
“I am aware of deployment, and CS revocation of the deployment memo. But there are procedures to follow without much rift. The officers should allow due process of transferring and appealing to be undertaken,” he said.
Mulwa was moved to Kemsa in an acting capacity, and was later recalled to the ministry paving way for Dr Dulacha Ejersa Waqo, following the Sh3.7 billion mosquito net scandal.