Nuru Okanga roasts gaucho's appointment to level 5 hospital

Political commentator Nuru Okanga heavily criticized Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's decision to appoint Calvince Okoth, popularly known as "Gaucho," to the board of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, a major Level 5 facility in Nairobi

In a viral video, Okanga "roasted" the appointment by questioning Gaucho's educational qualifications and suitability for a high-level healthcare oversight role.instagram

 Okanga mocked the appointment, stating, "Huwezi chukua mtu wa class 2 umuweke kwa board ya hospitali" ("You cannot take someone who reached only Class 2 and put them on a hospital board").He also said that he led the charge in arguing that the move prioritized political loyalty over the professional expertise needed to manage a busy public health facility. Okanga suggested that while Gaucho might be a "Ghetto President" and youth mobilizer, his skills do not translate to healthcare governance.

Background on the Appointment

• Facility: Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital (Level 5) in Eastlands, Nairobi.
• Authority: The appointment was made via a gazette notice dated April 16, 2026, under the Facilities Improvements Financing Act, 2023.
• Term: Gaucho was appointed for a three-year term alongside others, including chairperson Elvis Meli.
• Response from Gaucho: Gaucho defended himself, asking for time to prove his critics wrong and framing his role as a representative for ordinary citizens.

Gaucho defended his appointment by arguing that his role is not technical but representative, stating that he is there to be a voice for the voiceless and ensure the interests of "wanaghetto" are served. He dismissed academic-based criticisms by citing his deep "boots-on-the-ground" knowledge of the informal settlements the hospital serves and asked for time to prove himself through performance. Key Highlights of Gaucho's Defense

• Purpose of the Board: He clarified that he was not appointed as a doctor and will not perform medical duties, emphasizing that board membership requires community understanding rather than professional medical training.
• Grassroots Representation: He dedicated the achievement to the people of the "ghetto," noting that as someone who understands their daily struggles, he is best suited to help patients from areas like Korogocho, Dandora, and Mathare.
• Precedent of Leadership: Gaucho pointed to other leaders with limited formal education who have successfully served the public, maintaining that leadership is about service delivery and wisdom.
• Faith in the Process: He expressed deep gratitude to Governor Johnson Sakaja for believing in him and credited the late Raila Odinga's family for their long-standing support in helping him secure a platform to serve