The biggest problem at the Ministry of Health is Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni. Her leadership has been described as chaotic, self-centered, and a liability to the sector. Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has consistently raised concerns about her conduct, with many insiders at the ministry revealing a string of complaints against her.
From unnecessary publicity stunts to frustrating critical health programs, Muthoni’s leadership has allegedly turned the ministry into a toxic environment.
Sources from the Ministry of Health indicate that Muthoni has made it her mission to market herself rather than focusing on actual service delivery. She has developed a habit of rushing to the media with statements that are not within her jurisdiction, often overshadowing the Director General of Health.
This has created confusion within the ministry, as she constantly issues premature and sometimes misleading statements. Her obsession with media appearances has made it clear that she is more interested in personal branding than public health management.
It is also alleged that Muthoni has hired people on Twitter to push her image, a move that has left ministry officials puzzled. Instead of focusing on implementing policies that benefit Kenyans, she appears to be more invested in gaining online traction.
These claims raise serious ethical concerns about her priorities and the misuse of ministry resources for personal gain.
Reports also indicate that Muthoni has cultivated a hostile work environment. She is said to be micromanaging every department, including intimidating junior officers with unnecessary calls and demands. She allegedly forces staff to provide her with information on matters she never assigned them, just so she can be the first to rush to the media.
This level of interference has created a dysfunctional working environment, with both senior and junior staff struggling to execute their duties effectively. One of the most alarming revelations is her alleged role in stalling the formation of the National Public Health Institute (NPHI). This institution is meant to handle public health matters independently, but Muthoni is accused of blocking its progress because it threatens her control over certain budgets.
Insiders claim that public health funds have been her cash cow, and allowing the NPHI to function independently would limit her access to these resources.
This level of sabotage is detrimental to the country’s healthcare system, as it delays crucial programs that could benefit millions of Kenyans.
Muthoni is also accused of corruption, particularly in her dealings with donors and partners. Reports suggest that she demands bribes from every donor working with the Ministry of Health, frustrating key partnerships.
One shocking case involves a partner in the Neglected Tropical Diseases program, where she allegedly demanded bribes and even suggested reducing funds meant for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to accommodate her personal interests.
Such actions not only cripple healthcare services but also destroy Kenya’s reputation among international donors. Moreover, her statements on public health matters are said to be lacking in substance. Health officials claim that most of her public addresses are merely well-structured English statements without any real technical depth. Some have even joked that her statements appear to be generated by artificial intelligence rather than being informed by actual public health expertise.
This further exposes her lack of technical knowledge and her incompetence in handling complex health issues.The allegations against Muthoni paint a picture of a PS who is more concerned about public relations than actual governance.
The Ministry of Health is a critical sector that requires competent leadership, yet reports suggest she has turned it into a personal empire for self-promotion and financial gain. If these claims are true, then it is clear that she is not only sabotaging the ministry but also the entire government’s efforts in the health sector.
With mounting concerns from ministry officials, donors, and even political leaders like Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, it remains to be seen whether President William Ruto will take action. If Muthoni continues with her alleged mismanagement, the consequences will be dire for Kenya’s healthcare system. The country cannot afford to have a PS whose main priority is publicity at the expense of critical health policies.
