A fresh political exchange has emerged in Nairobi after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino signalled that one of his first actions if elected governor would be to remove activist Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, from the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Board.
Speaking during an interview, Babu criticised Gaucho’s recent appointment, arguing that the hospital board should be reserved for individuals with strong technical and professional qualifications in healthcare administration.
He further suggested that such appointments reflect broader concerns about governance standards in Nairobi County.
Gaucho was recently appointed to the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Board under a gazette notice issued by the Nairobi County Government.
The decision has triggered debate among political observers and residents, with supporters defending his inclusion as part of youth representation in public institutions, while critics question his suitability for a health governance role.
The matter has now drawn sharp commentary from political analyst Onyango Okello Oloo, who criticised Babu’s position, arguing that it risks undermining social mobility and fairness in public service appointments.
“Babu Owino's first call as governor is to fire Gaucho from Mama Lucy Board,” he said.
“Gaucho, whom we have seen struggling in these streets to make something for himself, Babu wants to take it away? So Babu is telling us that anyone without his level of education should not amount to anything?”
Oloo further questioned the fairness of targeting Gaucho, who has been publicly known for his grassroots activism and street mobilisation in Nairobi politics.
He argued that the debate should not be reduced to academic qualifications alone.
“Gaucho a fellow Luo? Whom the odds are already against because of tribe, you want to take away what he has fought to get? You want to take it away from Gaucho and give it to who?” he posed.
The remarks reflect growing tension around political appointments in Nairobi, where issues of merit, representation, and political loyalty often intersect. Supporters