KEMSA CEO Mrs Terry Kiunge Ramadhani
Barely six months into the appointment of KEMSA CEO Mrs Terry Kiunge Ramadhani, auditors have started flagging irregular payments running into millions of shillings and unprocedural staff hiring.
In a blatant abuse of office, Terry okayed direct procurement of legal services from the Law firm of Oraro Advocates and signed of payment of Kshs. 8.7 million.
Despite receiving a list of 50 firms from CBK to conduct a competitive process, Terry and her board proceeded to directly appoint the firm of Oraro Advocates in total disregard of the Public Procurement Act.
Terry who came in as a self-proclaimed anti-corruption crusader when she was appointed as a board member in April 2021 has since gone rogue.
The lady aged 42 years and a former aide of President Uhuru Kenyatta, orchestrated her appointment as CEO following the suspension of the former boss over the Covid-19 millionaire's scandal.
The CEO who is said to have authored her own job specifications to suit her qualifications was supported by her board to stage a friendly match where she was purportedly ranked the best candidate.
Her 'so-called' success despite holding a first degree in Home Economics which is associated with careers in sewing, cooking etc was purportedly no match for the doctors, pharmacists and other highly qualified supply chain specialists who applied for the job.
Despite all glaring irregularities including her participation in the shot listing process as proved by minutes which she officially signed, the former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe who was a very 'close' friend and hailing from her home county mukuruweini, Nyeri did not hesitate to swiftly appoint her.
Ignoring protests from pharmacists and other medical association bodies, the lady boss subdued all opposers using the CS and took command of KEMSA to begin an onslaught against staff.
Terry was on a mission, to remove all employees due to exposing the Covid-19 saga and quickly pay the outstanding pay which had been stopped by EACC pending investigations.
Fear was apparent that should Ruto take over the presidency, there was a likely hood that the payment would be suspended. Therefore, Terry moved swiftly and with precision to execute President Uhuru's instructions after all the money was being channelled for the Azimio campaign. Many of those mentioned in the covid scandal were Uhuru's friends and family. In a speed to pay never before seen in Kemsa, Terry undertook to clear payments amounting to over Kshs.1 billion in a span of 6 months.
Having vouched for Azimio and was certain they would take over Government, she was convinced that the powers in office would provide protection regardless of her crimes.
Therefore, after accomplishing her payment of covid 19, and tasting the hefty handouts from suppliers, Terry's appetite for money was elevated a notch hire and she had to get rid of all staff in order to conduct her business in secrecy without fear of exposure.
Unfortunately, Azimio failed and Kenya Kwanza took over pushing her into a panic but only temporarily before she got a new backer - Rigg G.
Using loot collected from suppliers, Terry paid her way to meet Rigathi Gachaguz claiming staff, suppliers and top officials from the Ministry of Health were fighting her.
She appealed to Rigathi that not only is she from Nyeri where he also comes from but as a Kikuyu and being a woman was key to promoting positions which mount Kenya has been given in the new Government.
Rigathi could not stand a chance dealing against a crafty fox like Terry who can become a chameleon to rip benefits and hence fell into her trap hook and sinker to become her protector.
With the protection of the sharp-tongued Rigathi Gachagua, Terry is home and dry.