Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has launched a scathing defence of youth activist Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, amid mounting criticism over his appointment to a major Nairobi hospital board.
Gaucho was recently named to the board of management of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The appointment, which took effect on April 16, 2026, will see him serve a three-year term at one of the capital’s busiest public health facilities.
However, the decision has ignited a fierce public backlash, with critics questioning whether the outspoken activist has the professional qualifications required to help oversee a complex medical institution.
Speaking on the controversy, Cherargei dismissed the criticism as “nauseating hypocrisy”, arguing that many of those now raising concerns had previously demanded greater inclusion of ordinary citizens in government roles.
“When government appointments are made, many people ask: where are mama mbogas, boda bodas or youth? But when Gaucho is appointed to serve, the same people start questioning qualifications and credentials. This hypocrisy is nauseating,” he said.
The senator urged Gaucho to ignore the noise and focus on delivering in his new role.
“Go and serve Kenyans with commitment, zeal and passion. Don’t be intimidated,” he added.
Gaucho rose to national prominence during the 2023 cost-of-living protests, where he emerged as a key figure in street demonstrations across Nairobi. His outspoken advocacy for low-income communities earned him the nickname “Ghetto President” in political circles.
His appointment now places him at the heart of public health governance, with responsibilities that include oversight of operations and management at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, which serves densely populated areas in Nairobi’s eastern suburbs.
Despite support from political allies, critics have continued to question the criteria used in such appointments, arguing that technical institutions require individuals with specialised expertise.
Some members of the public have also weighed in online, suggesting that inclusivity should not come at the expense of qualifications.
“We have mama mbogas and boda bodas who are graduates — why not appoint them?” one commenter asked.
“There are many educated Kenyans in informal sectors. Those are the people we mean when we talk about inclusion,” another added.
The row highlights a broader national debate over the balance between professional competence and representation in public service.
While opponents insist that governance boards for hospitals should prioritise expertise in healthcare, finance, or administration, supporters argue that diverse perspectives — including those of ordinary citizens — are equally vital.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Gaucho’s tenure is expected to come under intense scrutiny, with his performance likely to serve as a litmus test for the role of grassroots leaders in formal governance structures.
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