Mumias MP Peter Salasya took to X on August 8, 2025, to launch a scathing attack on the Social Health Authority (SHA), accusing it of deliberately neglecting the country’s healthcare system.

Salasya warned that this neglect threatens to collapse critical medical facilities, highlighting St Mary’s Hospital in Mumias as a major victim of the funding crisis.

“What the Social Health Authority (SHA) is doing today is nothing short of medical terrorism on innocent Kenyans. They are collecting billions of shillings every month from the sweat of ordinary wananchi, yet they deliberately refuse to remit that money to hospitals, especially private and mission hospitals that are on the frontlines saving lives,” read the post.

SHA accused of medical negligence

Salasya described the SHA’s actions as “medical terrorism” on ordinary Kenyans. He revealed that while the agency collects billions of shillings every month from hard-working citizens, it refuses to remit the funds to hospitals, especially private and mission facilities that play a crucial role on the frontline of healthcare delivery. St Mary’s Hospital, which has for years cared for the poor, elderly, mothers, and children regardless of their ability to pay, is now on the brink of closure.

Salasya clarified that the hospital’s dire situation is not due to negligence from medical staff but because “SHA has eaten the money that rightfully belongs to the hospital.”

Calls for accountability from officials

The MP directed sharp criticism at Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, holding him personally responsible for the ongoing healthcare crisis. “Your job is not to make speeches and sign MoUs in Nairobi hotels,” Salasya said.

“Your job is to ensure hospitals are funded, medicines are available, and patients receive treatment.” He went further to demand that if Duale cannot guarantee that SHA pays hospitals, then he should step aside and let someone else take over. Salasya’s demands underscore growing frustration with the management of Kenya’s healthcare resources and the urgent need for transparency and accountability.

Warning to the presidency on broken promises

Salasya also turned his attention to President William Ruto, accusing him of breaking his promise to provide affordable and accessible healthcare under the Bottom-Up Economic Model.

He warned that allowing SHA to continue withholding funds amounts to criminal negligence that will lead to preventable deaths. “If you allow this to continue, Mr President, you will carry the blood of thousands of Kenyans who die because they could not access healthcare,” he said.

Ending his statement, Salasya emphasised that true leadership is about protecting lives, not just ceremonial appearances. He vowed that neither Mumias East nor Kenya as a whole would remain silent while their healthcare system collapses.