What You Need to Know
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua explained his delay in presenting evidence regarding the Social Health Authority (SHA) at an opposition rally. He claimed the SHA system, costing Sh104 billion, is mismanaged and on the verge of collapse. Health CS Aden Duale challenged Gachagua to provide evidence, defending the SHA’s operations and financial commitments.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he failed to present evidence backing his claims that the Social Health Authority (SHA) would collapse within six months.
Speaking during an opposition rally in the Ukambani region, Gachagua said he was delayed by personal errands.
He was responding to a challenge issued by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to table a dossier supporting his allegations of mismanagement within the health scheme.
The former DP, in a light-hearted tone, told supporters that he had intended to respond on time but got delayed.
“Yesterday, you asked me to give you details by 10 am today. I got a little late because I passed by a barber,” Gachagua said. “I wanted to answer you by 10 am but I figured because I answer you, I must get a shave. Also, you cannot go to your cousins looking shaggy. You must look sharp. That is why I am a little late.”
Despite the delay, Gachagua doubled down on his criticism of the government-backed health insurance programme, alleging massive financial impropriety in its implementation.
He claimed the SHA system cost Sh104 billion, raising concerns about how the funds were utilised.
“The SHA system cost Sh104 billion, and that money went into people’s pockets,” he alleged.
He further sensationally claimed that part of the consortium involved in the project includes a firm linked to a senior government official.
“In that Sh104 billion consortium, one firm belongs to a senior government officer,” Gachagua said, without providing further details.
He also alleged that up to Sh50 billion had been lost through the scheme, intensifying his criticism of the government’s flagship health financing reforms.
Gachagua had earlier, on Sunday, claimed to have intelligence indicating that the SHA system was on the brink of collapse, remarks that drew a swift and sharp response from Duale.
The Health CS challenged him to make public any evidence supporting his claims, dismissing the allegations as baseless.
“I dare Riggy G to release that dossier tomorrow at 10,” Duale said during a Waqf empowerment event in Wajir South. “We have paid health facilities across the country , faith-based, private, public, and more , Sh21 billion as of this morning.”
Duale defended the SHA programme, insisting that it remains fully operational and continues to expand its reach across the country.
He said the scheme has already registered more than 30.1 million Kenyans, with approximately 12,000 new registrations recorded daily.
The CS also outlined the financial commitments made under the new health financing framework, noting that about Sh92.5 billion has been disbursed so far.
“Of this amount, approximately Sh75 billion has been paid through the Social Health Insurance Fund, while Sh13 billion has been allocated to support primary healthcare services,” Duale said.
He further accused Gachagua of attempting to politicise the health sector and exploit concerns among faith-based and private healthcare providers for political gain.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) was established to enhance healthcare financing in Kenya, aiming to provide affordable health services to millions. However, the program has faced scrutiny over its financial management and operational effectiveness, leading to political debates about its sustainability and impact on public health. Recent allegations by political figures have intensified discussions about the SHA’s future and the government’s role in health financing reforms. Gachagua’s comments reflect ongoing tensions in Kenyan politics, particularly regarding health policy and governance.
