Raila calls for speedy reforms in SHA
By Habil Onyango, February 28, 2025ODM leader Raila Odinga has called on President William Ruto’s administration to address pressing issues, including abductions, challenges facing the SocialHealth Authority (SHA) and the devolution crisis.
Raila arrived in Homa Bay as part of his “Meeting the People” tour, where he engaged with ODM delegates and later addressed the media.
He emphasised the need for the government to fulfil its promises, particularly ensuring effective implementation of SHA.
Raila said that devolution was not easily achieved.
“Devolution was brought against all odds, there are many people who were opposed to it, many people died as we fought to bring devolution yet it has not worked or helped the people of Kenya,” said Raila.
“There is nothing wrong with the constitutional structure but only a little adjustments to make devolution work,” said Raila.
“We want to see more resources being devolved to the counties so that we can be able to deal with issues such as healthcare and infrastructural development that should be devolved,” he said.
“By doing this we will be able to see the resources going to the counties rise to over 30 per cent to help our people,” he added.
Raila also urged the county government to address complaints raised over alleged discrimination along ethnic and tribal lines.
“We want to see men and women being given equal opportunities in every sector within the country,” said Raila.
Remain united
Raila called on Kenyans to remain united and speak in one voice as they tackle challenges facing them.
“We have seen complaints about service provision in health care, many patients are suffering because of introduction of SHA,this is something that needs to be resolved so that our people can get proper medical attention,” said Raila.
“We have seen our doctors, nurses, lecturers, students crying for various reasons, all these problems are solvable and we need to find a lasting solution to them,” said Raila.
The Homa Bay delegates gave Raila the go-ahead with his mission to find a better formation for the party.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay County will now host this year’s 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium on June 1, 2025, to be presided over by President William Ruto.
Initially, the county was to host Mashujaa Day after President Ruto heeded Governor Gladys Wanga’s plea to host the event.
Internal Security Permanent Secretary Raymond Omollo said the decision was reached after consultations between the national and county governments.
This year’s celebration is themed around Blue economy and maritime.
According to Omollo,is best suited to host the celebration since it has 80 percent Kenyan side of Lake Victoria.
Omollo said there will be a long week celebrations in Homa Bay before the D-day.
“There are a lot of blue economy activities taking place in our county and we have potential to do much more,” said Wanga.