A row has erupted at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) over the ongoing process of picking a new CEO to replace Dr Wilson Aruacsa whose tenure ended last month.
The row emerged after the hospital board chaired by Sitoyo Lopokoiyit released the names of 8 candidates who have been shortlisted from a list of 49 who applied for the position.
Lopokoiyit has on behalf of the board invited the eight for interviews on March 8th 2024, sparking a row.
The eight include Dr Maurice Nyongesa, Dr Everlyne Nyamai, Dr Simon Kibias, Dr John Cheruiyot Chumba and Titus Tarus
Others shortlisted are Dr Thomas Okwaro and Dr Evans Cheruiyot.
Also on the list is the current acting CEO of the hospital Dr Phillip Kirwa.
Top medics and the hospital, human rights crusaders and a section of members of the public have questioned the criteria used to shortlist the eight.
There are also claims of underhand dealings and unfair practices and lobbying for the position amid fears that merit and required qualifications as per the Hospital Act and Public Service Commission may be overlooked.
A leading medic and human rights crusader Dr Magare Benjamin has written to the board seeking information on the process which he says is shrouded in secrecy yet the law requires that the process should be open and transparent with the public fully informed on the recruitment process.
Dr Magare in his letter dated February 20, says the position of CEO was advertised on December 12th last year and the closing date for applications was on January 16th 2024.
"The public has not been appraised on the process after the closure of applications," said Dr Magare.
He says as a taxpayer and Kenyan he deserves the right to be fully informed on the process along with all Kenyans.
After the interviews in March, three names will be forwarded to President William Ruto to appoint one of them as CEO.
MTRH is the second largest Referral hospital in the country after Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.