MUMIAS, KENYA – President William Ruto engaged in a heated exchange with Mumias East MP Peter Salasya during an event in Mumias, Kakamega County, on Monday. The clash arose over the government’s newly introduced Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, a cornerstone of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Salasya, while addressing the crowd, claimed the SHA model was not functioning as effectively as the government has suggested. “Your people are not telling you the truth, Mr. President,” Salasya stated. “They say the SHA is working, but in reality, it isn’t. I know you want to help Kenyans, but cartels around you are preventing progress by keeping you in the dark.” He further urged Ruto to appoint him as an advisor to address these alleged issues.
In response, President Ruto dismissed Salasya’s allegations, accusing him of misleading the public and opposing the SHA reforms for personal reasons. “Some of those complaining about the SHA are upset because they are now paying more under the new system,” Ruto said. “Instead of admitting they don’t want to contribute more, they are claiming Kenyans have rejected the program. Where have they met these Kenyans?”
Ruto explained that the SHA is designed to support vulnerable and needy Kenyans by ensuring higher earners contribute more. He cited his own contribution, which has risen to KSh 100,000 monthly from the previous KSh 1,000 under the NHIF, while MPs’ contributions have increased from KSh 1,700 to KSh 27,000.
“This is why we’ve said it’s better for us to pay more so we can eliminate the need for harambees,” Ruto added.
The President urged Kenyans to register for the SHA, assuring that those unable to pay would be supported by the government. He also reminded Salasya that the affordable housing agenda, which the MP has also criticized, was part of the Azimio manifesto during the election campaigns.
Ruto’s visit to Mumias included launching bonuses for sugarcane farmers, a move aimed at revitalizing the region’s sugar industry.
