Why KMPDU Want Health CS Mutahi Kagwe Jailed

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have demanded the arrest and prosecution of Health CS Mutahi Kagwe. 

Through lawyer Henry Kurauka, the union wants the CS jailed for terminating contracts of at least 23 senior bosses at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

KMPDU also faulted Kagwe for sending KEMSA bosses and other employees on compulsory leave contrary to terms and conditions of employment. 

“Sending the affected managers and other KEMSA employees on compulsory leave is tantamount to terminating their contracts which affects their terms and conditions of employment,” Kurauka said. 

The lawyer also argued that KEMSA chairperson Mary Mwadime and acting CEO John Kabuchi went against the proper procedures in sending employees home, adding that both the CS and the board were aware of an existing court order.

The union now wants CS Kagwe, Mwadime and Kabuchi jailed for six months for disrespecting a court ruling made in November 2021 stopping restructuring of KEMSA.  

On February 12, 2020, the said managers were sent on 45 days compulsory leave following a meeting by the Board of Management and escorted out of their officers by police officers. 

The board appointed other members of the staff to hold the positions temporarily.

Kabuchi is said to have directed the managers to fill out leave forms and submit them to his office by Friday, February 10.