Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has publicly rebuked Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba following her defence of the Social Health Authority (SHA), sparking a heated debate on the system’s relevance for legislators.
Wamuchomba, in a post on X, urged fellow MPs and senators to provide solutions rather than amplify problems, responding to criticisms that SHA is failing in funerals and churches.
"To the MPs and senators claiming that SHA is not working in funerals and churches, why don't you deregister yourself and your family first? Then we will believe you. Leaders provide solutions, not amplifying problems. Whereas I acknowledge that there are challenges with SHA systems, let's not give it a blanket condemnation," Wamuchomba stated.
Salasya fired back sharply, mocking her position and questioning the system’s utility for lawmakers. He noted that most MPs rely on private insurance schemes, not SHA. In his response, he said:
"Sijai jua wewe mhesh Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba HSC, MP, leo ndio nimejua. MPs are using private insurance of UAP and Old Mutual. SHA funds from State House are limited, and we are not eligible to use SHA. I am not registered on SHA, so the suggestion to deregister does not apply to me," Salasya said.
The spat highlights ongoing tensions over SHA, which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of Kenya’s push for universal health coverage.
While the government argues the system will improve access to healthcare, critics, including some lawmakers, have cited registration difficulties and service delays.
This exchange reveals a deeper divide among legislators regarding SHA’s effectiveness and the optics of defending a system that many in government reportedly do not use.
It raises questions about how leaders can advocate for reforms while remaining connected to citizens’ experiences.