- Murang’a woman representative Betty Maina praised President William Ruto for clearing medical bills for a Benga musician after SHA failed
- Maina disabled comments on the post after infuriated Kenyans called her out following her admission that SHA could not cover the bills
- Pauline Njoroge and a section of Kenyans demanded ‘Ruto’s medical scheme that covers bills way better than SHA’
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Murang’a woman representative Betty Maina has publicly expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for his KSh 2 million donation to assist a musician’s family with medical bills.
Source: Facebook
The funds were used to clear a medical bill incurred during the hospitalisation of renowned Kikuyu Benga musician Kamande Wa Kioi’s wife, Mama Kioi, who had been admitted to Nairobi West Hospital.
How did Betty Maina praise Ruto?
According to the UDA lawmaker, the family, alongside the Social Health Authority (SHA), had managed to raise KSh 1.5 million but was left with a KSh 2 million shortfall.
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She revealed that she reached out to the president on behalf of the family, and within a day, he responded with the full amount needed to settle the outstanding bill.
“Mama Kioi, wife of Kamande Wa Kioi, was unwell but has now recovered at Nairobi West, a private hospital. SHA and the family were able to pay over KSh 1.5 million, leaving a balance of KSh 2 million.
Special thanks to President William Ruto. I reached out to him yesterday on behalf of the family, and today he gave me KSh 2 million, which I have handed over to the family. Be blessed, H.E. Good health be your portion, Mama Kioi,” she posted.
Source: Facebook
Did Maina disable comments on a post praising Ruto?
However, the celebratory message sparked controversy online. Shortly after posting, Maina disabled comments on her Facebook page, following backlash from Kenyans who questioned the effectiveness of SHA.
Critics argued that the scheme, which was designed to ease access to healthcare, had failed to support the family in their time of need.
Political strategist and vocal critic of the president, Pauline Njoroge, commented, “President Ruto is covering medical expenses way better than SHA. Where can we register for his scheme?”
The remark resonated with many online users, some of whom accused the government of dismantling a previously functional health system and replacing it with one that leaves citizens dependent on personal appeals for help.
How did Kenyans react to Ruto’s gesture?
The incident has reignited debate over the performance of SHA and the broader implications of healthcare reforms under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Fuata Nyuki-Wa Kûngû ·
“He scrapped a working NHIF so that Kenyans kneel before him because of the medical bills. Reducing Kenyans to beggars so that he can play ‘god.'”
Muthoni Kimani
“Or rather, who will be calling him on our behalf when we fall sick since we don’t have his number on speed dial?”
Kuria Wanjuhi
“Ruto wants to create a Kenya for beggars; he wants us to tumsujudu for basic things like a god.”
Maina Paul
“This is so nonsensical and nauseating coming from a lawmaker. So reaching out to the president has now become part of Taifacare, SHA, SHIF, and ECCF. And the most stupid part of that statement is the admission that the patient has registered and paid SHA premiums but couldn’t be fully covered.”
Shiro Nene
“We should all register with Ruto’s Friends Health scheme. Because what happens to families that don’t have Waheshimiwa friends to call the president on their behalf and ‘beg’ for health insurance help?”
Esther Magu
“Pauline Njoroge: We as Kenyan citizens, since we cannot access SHA, would also want the president’s scheme. Huyu mama ataweza kuongea na yeye? I found people stuck at KNH juu ya bill. Na hawa kwanza zao sio mingi hivyo.”
What will cause SHA’s collapse?
Meanwhile, a section of MPs raised alarm over SHA’s deepening financial crisis, warning it could trigger a ‘legal time bomb’ that threatens the authority’s survival.
The MPs cited a staggering KSh 76 billion debt in unpaid hospital bills as a key concern which could lead to widespread service disruptions.
MP Anthony Kibagendi criticised SHA’s operations, saying its systems now act as ‘automated law enforcers’, resulting in partial payment of patients’ bills.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
