Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, has come to the defense of President William Ruto amidst growing criticism from various quarters regarding his administration’s policies, particularly the recently introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Ichung’wah firmly believes that, in time, President Ruto’s policies, especially those under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), will prove to be beneficial, silencing critics who have been quick to label the policies as failures.
During a debate on the President’s State of the Nation address delivered to a joint sitting of Parliament last Thursday, Ichung’wah confidently asserted, “When you do what is right, time will vindicate you.” He further emphasized his belief that the administration’s long-term success would ultimately prove critics wrong. “Time will vindicate this Kenya Kwanza administration, and time will vindicate the President. Those who talk about Ruto and lies will know that there’s nothing about lies with President William Ruto,” he said.
Ichung’wah’s comments come at a time when the newly launched SHIF, which replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), has been met with skepticism and opposition, particularly among lawmakers. Despite being hailed as a visionary concept on paper, several Members of Parliament (MPs), including Makueni’s Suzanne Kiamba, have raised concerns over its practical implementation. Kiamba described the programme as “flawless on paper” but criticized its real-world execution, calling it a “scam.” She specifically questioned the adequacy of the Sh6,000 allocated for dialysis treatment per family, labeling it a “big joke” and calling for a review of the model.
While acknowledging the criticism, Ichung’wah expressed his belief that the initiative would eventually deliver on its promises. He pointed to testimonies from ordinary citizens, including boda boda riders and street vendors, who have reportedly benefitted from the Kenya Kwanza government’s programs, including the Taifa Care initiative under the SHIF. “I have seen men who are boda boda riders, mama mbogas testifying online how they have benefitted like the Honourable Pauline Lenguris from Taifa Care,” Ichung’wah stated. The term ‘Taifa Care’ was introduced by President Ruto as a rebranding of SHIF, a move that has also raised eyebrows among MPs. Kiamba, for example, expressed her confusion at the new terminology, questioning why it was introduced outside Parliament without proper consultation or explanation.
Despite these concerns, Ichung’wah has remained steadfast in his support for the President’s policies, urging MPs and citizens alike to show patience and give the initiatives time to take effect. He argued that such programs were designed to lift the most vulnerable members of society, including the “mavumbini” (the destitute), and enable them to “dine with kings,” as President Ruto had famously said in his speech. “Failure is not an option,” Ichung’wah declared, underscoring the importance of supporting national efforts rather than wishing for the failure of the government. He warned that those who prayed for the President to fail were displaying “the height of unpatriotism.”
In addition to the debate on SHIF, the government made headlines for releasing Sh3.7 billion in pending bills owed to health facilities by NHIF. This move, announced by government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, includes Sh1.4 billion allocated for claims accrued under both the defunct NHIF and the newly-established SHIF. Ichung’wah framed this release as part of the government’s commitment to addressing healthcare concerns and ensuring that the health sector continues to function smoothly as the SHIF model evolves.
As the debate continues over the success or failure of the government’s new policies, it is clear that time will be a critical factor in determining their effectiveness. Ichung’wah’s message of patience and faith in the government’s long-term vision highlights the importance of giving President Ruto’s administration space to implement its reforms, with the belief that these will ultimately lead to tangible benefits for all Kenyans.
