Senator Okiya Omtatah has sharply criticized President William Ruto over remarks concerning the alleged loss of KSh 50 billion linked to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a strongly worded statement, Omtatah argued that the Office of the Auditor General is an independent constitutional office and not a department under State House authority. According to the Busia senator, dismissing an audit report that raises questions about the possible loss of public funds undermines the Constitution and weakens accountability institutions.
Omtatah emphasized that KSh 50 billion cannot simply be dismissed as a minor issue or clerical error, noting that the money represents public resources collected from hardworking Kenyans. He said brushing aside such concerns is an insult to citizens who continue to struggle to access quality healthcare while questions remain about how public funds are managed.
“You cannot swear to protect the Constitution on Tuesday and tear it up on Wednesday because the truth hurts,” Omtatah said, insisting that audit findings must be treated with seriousness and transparency.
However, President Ruto dismissed claims that the government had lost KSh 50 billion under the new health financing system. Speaking publicly, the president termed the allegations propaganda and defended the government’s handling of healthcare funds.
Ruto stated that the government is currently making significant payments to hospitals under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) program. According to the president, the government is set to pay KSh 16.2 billion to healthcare facilities in a single week, which he described as the highest amount ever paid to hospitals under any administration.
The exchange highlights the growing debate around the management of funds under Kenya’s new healthcare financing framework and the accountability of public institutions tasked with overseeing public resources.