The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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President William Ruto has strongly criticized politicians who oppose the government’s new health insurance scheme, which aims to achieve universal health coverage (UHC).
Speaking in Mumias on Monday, Ruto particularly called out Mumias East MP Peter Salasya for allegedly misleading local residents about the program.
Ruto was in Kakamega to launch a bonus distribution for sugarcane farmers when Salasya, who was also present, claimed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) was not functioning as it had been portrayed.
“Mr. President, your people are not being truthful with you. They say the new SHA model is working, but in reality, it is not. I know you want to help Kenyans, but some cartels are keeping you in the dark. They are using you to prevent the country’s progress,” Salasya said.
In response, Ruto accused the legislator of complaining because he and others are now paying more into the SHA system.
“Those complaining about SHA are doing so because they are paying more than they used to,” Ruto stated.
Instead of directly stating that they don’t want to pay the higher fees, Ruto remarked that some politicians were falsely claiming the public is rejecting the scheme. “Where have you met the people you say don’t want this?” he asked.
The President explained that under the new system, higher earners contribute more to support the vulnerable. He shared that he himself now pays up to Sh100,000, compared to the Sh1,000 he previously contributed under the NHIF. MPs who once paid Sh1,700 now contribute Sh27,000.
“This is the real reason for the complaints, but we have agreed to pay more to eliminate the need for fundraisers,” he added.
Ruto encouraged Kenyans to register for the program, assuring that the government would assist those who cannot afford to pay. He also reminded Salasya that the affordable housing project was part of the Azimio manifesto, which Salasya supports.
