The Governor of Taita Taveta County Andrew Mwadime has fired the County Executive Committee (CEC) member for health Gifton Mkaya.

This development comes just a few days after journalists staged protests outside the county assembly demanding his removal for discriminatory remarks he made on journalists, threatening press freedom.

In a press release dated February 24, however, the Governor revealed that drastic action was taken to "enhance efficiency" in the healthcare sector of the county. "The Office of the Governor wishes to inform all county departments, stakeholders and members of the public that, effective 24th February 2025, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, Mr.

Gifton Mkaya has been dismissed from office pursuant to the provisions of Section 31(a) of the County Governments Act," part of the statement read.