Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba has challenged political leaders who publicly criticise the Social Health Authority (SHA) to first deregister themselves and their families before dismissing the programme.

Taking to her official X account on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Wamuchomba accused them of politicising healthcare for personal and electoral gain.

She said it was dishonest for Members of Parliament and senators to attack SHA at funerals and in churches while privately remaining beneficiaries of the same system they condemn.

“To the MPs and senators claiming that SHA is not working in funerals and churches, why don’t you deregister yourself and family first then we believe you? Leaders provide solutions, not amplifying problem,” Wamuchomba stated.

While opposition politicians and some leaders allied to the government have raised concerns over system failures, hospital reimbursements, and access to services, Wamuchomba warned against what she termed ‘blanket condemnation’ without offering viable alternatives.

The outspoken legislator acknowledged that the new system is facing operational challenges but insisted that undermining it entirely was irresponsible.

“Whereas I acknowledge that there are challenges with SHA systems, let’s not give it a blanket condemnation. Asking our followers and supporters not to register is retrogressive, yet we have not given an alternative,” she wrote on X.

SHA misinformation

Wamuchomba’s remarks come a day after she launched a fierce attack on politicians she accuses of misleading Mt Kenya residents about SHA, warning that lives are being put at risk for the sake of 2027 election politics.

Taking to her official X account on the night of Saturday, January 31, 2026, Wamuchomba said residents of the Mt Kenya region were deliberately “brainwashed” into believing SHA was not working, leading many to refuse registration while Kenyans in other regions continue to access healthcare services funded under the programme.

“Watu wa Mlima, we were brainwashed that SHA is not working. We refused to register. Other parts of Kenya registered and has services paid for. You are left desperate for every opportunity to cater for your sickly with fundraisers daily,” Wamuchomba stated.

She further accused the United Opposition, whom she termed the “Wantam brigade”, of spreading misinformation to retain political loyalty, claiming that despite publicly opposing SHA, their MPs and senators have fully updated accounts and access to the system.

Salasya dismisses Wamuchomba

Her remarks attracted criticism, with Mumias East MP Peter Salasya having fired back at Wamuchomba.

Taking to his official X account in the wee hours of Sunday, February 1, 2026, Salasya dismissed the SHA programme as a “scam”, challenging Wamuchomba’s claims that the initiative is functional and saving lives.

The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) lawmaker questioned the credibility of Wamuchomba’s claim that SHA is operational and can provide healthcare services to Kenyans.

“Sha is a scam. SHA mission hospitals don’t accept it, and the majority of private hospitals don’t accept that bullshit of Aden Duale. I thought you were wise,” Salasya said.