Wired politics

A fresh storm is brewing across the country as the Social Health Authority (SHA) quietly shifts its payment policy—demanding Kenyans pay a full year’s premium upfront before accessing healthcare services. Previously, Kenyans were allowed to contribute monthly, making the scheme accessible to low-income earners. However, patients are now being turned away at hospitals unless they settle the entire Ksh12,460 annual subscription. This abrupt change, which caught many off-guard, has triggered a flood of complaints online. Citizens are expressing disbelief and anger, citing cases where even those who had paid monthly contributions were denied treatment. One affected Kenyan, John Nalugala, shared, “I paid Ksh1,030 for two months, but now I’m being told to pay the full amount. Is SHA for the rich only?” Another, Linda George, recounted how Level 4 hospitals refused to serve her unless she paid the yearly fee. Adding fuel to the fire, those unable to pay upfront are being asked to take...

  Kenyans living in 15 counties have been urged to remain vigilant after the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a high alert for strong winds and large ocean waves. The weather advisory, released on Friday, June 13, indicates that the extreme conditions will persist for six days, up to Wednesday, June 18. The affected counties include Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, and Makueni. These areas fall within the Coast, North-Eastern, North-Western, and South-Eastern lowlands, where the winds and waves are forecast to hit hardest. According to the Met Department, strong southerly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.9 meters per second) are expected to sweep across the regions beginning Friday. From Saturday through Tuesday, wind speeds are likely to rise above 30 knots (15.4 meters per second), potentially causing widespread damage. The department warned that such winds could blow off rooftops, up...

  Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has launched a scathing attack on Kenyan law enforcement, accusing them of orchestrating a cover-up over the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang. The 31-year-old teacher and blogger died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody. Speaking during a live interview on June 13, Kioni questioned the sincerity of police investigations into the incident. He said the authorities are deliberately dragging their feet and hiding critical details that would expose those responsible. Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on June 7 before being transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station. A day later, he was found dead, with police claiming he succumbed to self-inflicted injuries—a narrative Kioni outright rejected. He contrasted the sluggish response to Ojwang’s death with the swift action taken during the probe into the murder of a Member of Parliament last year. According to Kioni, this shows the justice system only works when powerful...

  Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has demanded the immediate resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Langat. He accuses Langat of leading a shadowy police unit that targets government critics. Gachagua linked the recent killing of a popular blogger to this so-called "killer squad" allegedly operating under Langat's command. He claimed the killing was politically motivated and carried out to silence voices of dissent. The former DP further alleged that Langat is not acting alone but enjoys the full backing of President William Ruto. According to Gachagua, Ruto is using state security to clamp down on opposition and critical voices under the guise of national security. In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua said the country is heading toward dictatorship. He warned that if leaders like Langat are not held accountable, the rule of law will collapse completely. He described the murder as “cold-blooded” and called for an independent inve...

  President William Ruto has announced major strides in trade diplomacy, revealing ongoing negotiations that could open up Kenya’s access to massive international markets. Speaking on recent engagements, Ruto highlighted the landmark EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which grants Kenyan exporters duty-free, quota-free access to the European Union. In addition to the EU deal, Ruto shared updates from his latest trip to China, where he raised concerns over the glaring trade imbalance between the two nations. “We import over Ksh.600 billion worth of goods from China, yet they buy only Ksh.40 billion from us,” he noted, terming it an unsustainable disparity. To address this, the president disclosed that China has agreed to pursue a bilateral trade agreement with Kenya aimed at eliminating tariffs on Kenyan exports. He said a technical team is already preparing to travel to China to finalize the deal, which could unlock access to the Chinese market for key agricultural p...

  President William Ruto has publicly criticized Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata for the county’s poor enrolment in the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme. Speaking during the Murang’a International Investment Conference on Friday, June 13, Ruto expressed concern over the county's low numbers, revealing that only 283,000 out of 1.5 million residents are registered. “You’ve clapped too soon. Murang’a is ranked 35th out of 47 counties with only 27% registration,” Ruto stated, drawing attention to the seriousness of the issue. The President announced plans to send a team from SHA and the Ministry of Health to the county to conduct sensitisation campaigns and work closely with the local government to increase awareness and sign-ups. This development comes even as Murang’a residents benefit from Kang’ata Care , a county-level health initiative spearheaded by Governor Kang’ata. The program supports around 40,000 households and is designed to provide health cove...

  Albert Ojwang met a tragic end inside the Central Police Station cell in Nairobi, sparking outrage and questions over the conduct of officers on duty. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the circumstances leading to his mysterious death. According to IPOA Commissioner Boniface Samati, Ojwang’s death occurred while he was still in police custody. He confirmed that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Samson Talam, is now a person of interest in the unfolding case. Samati said preliminary findings point to possible foul play or negligence within the police facility. He added that IPOA is determined to pursue justice and ensure accountability for any officers involved. The late Ojwang had reportedly been arrested earlier and locked up at the station pending further processing. Details surrounding his arrest remain unclear, but the manner of his death has left many demanding answers. Witnesses who interacted with Ojwang before hi...