Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga has described the dismissal of Public Health Principal Secretary Josephine Mburu as a reactionary response to a significant problem within the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
Speaking on Tuesday, May 16, Odinga dismissed the sacking of Ms. Mburu, saying it raises more questions than answers.
Odinga also wants Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha to be held accountable.
"The government is merely reacting to a major issue at KEMSA. I believe this is not the only scandal reported in the Authority. I anticipate that we will witness many more revelations in this government within a short period of time," Odinga said.
"A government should be administered as such, with ministers entrusted with specific responsibilities. Why do we not see ministers addressing key policy matters when it is the President who is making important policy decisions? If there is a major policy statement in education, it should come from the Minister of Education. Similarly, if there is a scandal at KEMSA, the Minister of Health should address the issue, not a Principal Secretary," he added.
On Monday, May 15, President Ruto terminated Mburu's appointment as the PS in charge of State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards over graft allegations on the donor-funded National Malaria Programme at KEMSA.
Mburu was fired alongside other Kemsa officials, a day after the Head of State promised to crack the whip on the alleged graft in the agency, as part of his efforts to redeem the government's image in the face of the danger of driving away international donors.
At the same time, Odinga threatened to mobilize Kenyans on a march to the streets if the Finance Bill 2023 is passed in Parliament.
He said the bill proposes to unfairly punish and diminish the middle class who are already suffering blows and can least afford to pay more taxes.
"We make it clear that if this Bill is railroaded through Parliament, we will have no option but to mobilize citizens around the country to fight for themselves. We will mobilize all the social sectors and take all the necessary political actions to stop this blow and burden," he said.
"We continue to demand a major surgery to the Finance Bill in the interest of the suffering people of Kenya. Instead of merely levying more taxes on Kenyans, Kenya Kwanza must address the economy's many structural shortcomings. For instance, there is a reason why the Kenya Revenue Authority is unable to meet its revenue targets. Kenya Kwanza must figure out and address the problem."
His sentiments come on the back of continued talks between the Government and the Opposition.
