Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has sparked fresh debate after calling on President William Ruto to declare cancer a national disaster.
Njiru said cancer has become a major public health crisis that requires urgent national action.
He argued that declaring cancer a national disaster would help mobilise resources and focus attention on prevention, treatment, and long-term solutions.
In his statement, the lawyer proposed the creation of a dedicated national cancer fund.
He said the fund should be aimed at eradicating cancer through improved screening, treatment, research, and public education, while easing the financial burden on patients and their families.
"Ruto before you take us to your illusionary Singapore, first declare CANCER as a National disaster. Create a CANCER fund that will be geared towards eradicating CANCER in the country," he posted on X.
Njiru also questioned the inclusion of cancer treatment under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He called for cancer care to be handled separately, saying specialised diseases require targeted financing and management to avoid delays and gaps in treatment.
The lawyer further urged the government to establish cancer screening and treatment centres in all 47 counties.
He proposed mandatory annual cancer screening for every Kenyan, arguing that early detection would save lives and reduce pressure on the health system.
Njiru’s message also focused on prevention. He called for a national cancer eradication policy to address the root causes of the disease in Kenya.
According to him, prevention efforts should go hand in hand with treatment to curb rising cancer cases.
Food safety and agriculture featured prominently in his appeal. Njiru urged authorities to ensure that food consumed by Kenyans is free from carcinogenic substances.
He also called for an outright ban on the importation of farm chemicals linked to cancer.