President William Ruto has strongly dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's claims that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will collapse within six months, attributing them to witchcraft. Ruto defended the health insurance scheme, noting 30 million Kenyans are registered and the government has paid hospitals Sh121 billion. Gachagua had warned of severe financial challenges impacting health services.
President William Ruto spoke on Wednesday at State House in Nairobi during a meeting with members of a women's development organization. He rejected Gachagua's statements made at a church service in Kirinyaga County. "I heard someone say recently that he has information SHA will collapse in six months. I investigated where he got it and found he consulted herbalists and witches," Ruto said.
Ruto highlighted SHA's successes, stating 30 million Kenyans have registered. The government has paid hospitals Sh121 billion in one year, the highest amount in Kenya's history. He accused critics of playing politics without understanding the scheme.
Gachagua claimed reliable information that SHA faces major financial problems. He warned delayed payments have led to shortages of drugs and essential equipment in hospitals, risking a major health crisis.