Governor Ragwa says county staff not involved in Chuka hospital machine theft

Tharaka-Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa has denied allegations that his county government officials had a hand in the theft of anaesthesia kit from Chuka County Referral Hospital.

This is after Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Muthomi Njuki, his Tharaka counterpart Mburi Muiru and Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha held a press conference in Nairobi on Monday and demanded that Mr Ragwa accounts for the loss of the Sh4 million machine.

But Mr Ragwa said the legislators were taking advantage of the crisis for political gain.

He said police were investigating the incident and no one should interfere with the process.

“It is unfair and illogical for some leaders to call a press briefing and present bizarre theories about a matter that is under investigation. They should be giving support to ensure the machine is recovered,” said Mr Ragwa.

The governor was speaking in Magumoni Ward on Wednesday when he issued cheques worth Sh5 million for the construction of Early Childhood Development Education classrooms.

CULPRITS TO FACE THE LAW

The county boss exonerated his government from the theft saying those found culpable will face the full force of the law.

Mr Ragwa said he was set to commission the machine with the newly constructed maternity theatre ward from where the kit was stolen.

He threatened to take a legal action against anyone who directly accuses him of having knowledge of the disappearance of the machine.

“I will not allow anyone to ruin my reputation or that of my government with unfounded allegations,” he said.

Some Members of Tharaka-Nithi County Assembly led by Majority Leader Wilson Nyaga also accused the MPs of politicising the matter.

“The MPs should come out clearly on what they know about the theft. They should give evidence to the police instead of addressing the media in Nairobi,” said Mr Nyaga.

Mukothima Ward MCA Mwenda Gataya called for sobriety in the matter and urged the MPs to stop dividing the county.

They however blamed the governor of failing to ensure the machine’s security.

The kit was stolen on Wednesday night last week and several people have been interrogated by police over the matter.

Speaking to the Nation in his office on Wednesday, Chuka/Igambang’ombe Sub County Criminal Investigation Officer Moses Waliaula said they will be arraigning a number of suspects in court once they are through with investigations.