NAIROBI, Kenya—President William Ruto has strongly opposed politicians who criticize the government’s new health insurance scheme, the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking in Mumias, Kakamega County, during a sugarcane farmers’ bonus event, Ruto accused Mumias East MP Peter Salasya of misleading residents about the program.
The SHA, a pivotal part of the administration’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, aims to make healthcare equitable by balancing contributions between higher earners and vulnerable groups.
During the event, Salasya voiced his skepticism about the SHA, claiming it was falling short of expectations.
SHA haifanyi, umefinya payslip za wakenya sana. Fearless Salasya tells Ruto on his face in Mumias. The fear is gone!
“Your people are not telling you the truth, Mr. President. They say SHA is working, but in reality, it isn’t,” he argued, blaming “cartels” for derailing progress.
Ruto did not mince words in his response. “Some of these complaints come from individuals now paying more under the SHA,” he said, revealing that his own monthly contributions had surged from Sh1,000 under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to Sh100,000.
Similarly, MPs who once paid Sh1,700 now contribute Sh27,000.
“Instead of admitting they don’t want to pay more, they claim the people have rejected the scheme,” he quipped. “Where have you met these people?”
The president explained that the revised payment structure allows wealthier contributors to subsidize healthcare for low-income earners, ensuring no Kenyan is left behind.
He emphasized that the government would support those unable to meet the premiums, urging citizens to register for the scheme.
“Salasya anajua kutetea, saa zingine anapitisha, Nitamnyorosha kidogo ashike laini,” President Ruto to Mumias East MP Salasya
“This is how we ensure equity in healthcare and move away from endless harambees,” Ruto stated, reiterating his administration’s commitment to UHC.
Taking a dig at Salasya, Ruto reminded him that the affordable housing initiative was originally part of the Azimio manifesto, demonstrating shared priorities across political lines.
With debates over increased contributions and fairness in coverage taking center stage, Kenyans can expect more political fireworks as leaders continue to clash over the SHA’s implementation and broader government policies.
