Gaucho Says Mama Lucy Board Role Pays Far Less Than His Former Political Income

Kenyan activist and political mobiliser Calvince Okoth has revealed that his new position on the board of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital earns him significantly less compared to what he previously made during his days in political mobilisation.

Gaucho, who was recently appointed to the board of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, said the role comes with modest sitting allowances rather than a fixed monthly salary.

According to his remarks, board members receive between KSh 4,000 and KSh 8,000 per sitting, depending on the number of meetings held each month. 

He noted that this amount is significantly lower than his previous earnings, which he estimated at around KSh 250,000 per month during his time in political mobilisation work.

The appointment, which runs on a three-year term for the hospital’s board of management, has attracted public debate, with some questioning his suitability for the position while others defending the decision as part of inclusive representation in county governance.

Gaucho has maintained that his role is not based on technical medical expertise but on representing grassroots voices, particularly residents from Nairobi’s Eastlands area. 

He argues that his experience working closely with ordinary citizens gives him insight into the challenges faced by patients in public health facilities.

He further explained that hospital board positions are not salaried jobs but service-oriented appointments, where members are compensated through allowances for attending official meetings. 

Similar public hospital boards in Kenya reportedly operate under the same structure, with sitting allowances generally ranging between KSh 8,000 and KSh 10,000 per meeting under guidelines set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

In media interviews, Gaucho also dismissed claims that he accepted the role for financial gain, insisting that the allowances are minimal compared to the expenses incurred in transport and day-to-day obligations related to the position.

A video circulating online shows him defending his appointment and reiterating that his focus is on service delivery rather than personal enrichment. 

He added that despite public criticism, he remains committed to fulfilling his responsibilities on the board.

The appointment continues to spark conversation online, reflecting broader debates about political appointments, public service roles, and representation in county health governance structures.