Experts: 'Why Gaucho is fit for Mama Lucy board'

Calvince Okoth, alias Gaucho, during an interview with The Standard.[File, Standard]

Experts on Wednesday, April 22 defended the appointment of Calvince Okoth alias ‘Gaucho’ as a board member of the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, one of Nairobi's busiest referral hospitals

Political analyst and advocate Martin Oloo argued that hospital boards require diverse representation rather than purely medical expertise.

“A board like Mama Lucy’s does not need only medics. It needs a mix of interests, and anyone can be appointed,” he said.

According to Oloo, board appointments are often influenced by strategic interests, adding that Gaucho brings youth representation and mobilisation skills.

“At a national level, when Cabinet Secretaries appoint people, it is about interests. Similarly, when governors do so, it reflects their priorities. This is a strategic political appointment by Governor Sakaja,” he added.

Echoing his remarks, governance expert Luchetu Likaka said that instead of questioning who has been appointed where, the focus should be on accountability.

“Our concern should be how to enhance accountability for leaders. If we do that, then we can hold the board accountable,” he said.

Likaka noted that the hospital’s leadership already includes medical professionals, including the CEO and the board chair.

“When they sit together, they make collective decisions. Gaucho will operate within that structure,” he said, adding that the hospital could even improve during his tenure.

Oloo further argued that Mama Lucy could benefit from Gaucho’s background, noting that the facility serves communities he is familiar with.

“He understands the people the hospital serves and can represent their interests to ensure equitable access to services,” he said.

He also downplayed concerns about the appointment, noting that Gaucho is one of several board members.

“He is not the chair or the most critical member. He is just one member among others. What matters is the overall composition of the board,” Oloo added.

The remarks come amid backlash over Gaucho’s appointment, with critics questioning his academic qualifications.

In his defence, Gaucho said the role is more about community engagement than formal education.

“Being a board member does not require too much education. It is about understanding the community, representing them and safeguarding their interests,” he said.

He noted that many patients at the hospital come from areas such as Mathare, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Kayole, Dandora and Korogocho.

“I come from this community and understand their challenges. Sometimes a patient cannot pay a bill, and as a community, we can engage the hospital to waive it. What education does that require?” he posed.

Gaucho was appointed on April 22 alongside five others for a three-year term.

Other appointees include Dr Elvis Meli as board chairperson, alongside Dr Chama Nzai, Susan Wanjiru Kamau, Knight Medza Kaingu and Abdalla Ali as members.