People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has intensified her criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration during the party’s tour of Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties, calling on Kenyans to “Ondoa wakulaji, weka wafanyikazi.”
Speaking to residents in Chiakariga, Karua described the state of infrastructure and healthcare as a betrayal of public trust and a growing regional crisis. She accused the government of prioritising public ceremonies over actual service delivery.
Karua Criticises Healthcare System and SHA
Karua said public hospitals remain under-equipped despite consistent deductions under the Social Health Authority (SHA). She argued that many Level 5 hospitals exist “only by name,” lacking medicines, equipment, and adequate staffing.
“A mother in labour should not have to pray the road is passable before she reaches help and a family should not have to choose between buying medicine and eating,” she said.
She added that every Kenyan seeking treatment in a public hospital should find medicine available, emergency services functioning, and healthcare workers properly supported. Karua maintained that SHA should work for patients and promised reforms under her proposed administration.
Karua also referenced the Economic Survey 2026 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, claiming it reflects a worsening healthcare crisis. According to her, SHA is spending nearly twice what it collects while still failing to deliver services effectively.
She compared the former National Hospital Insurance Fund’s 83.2 percent payout ratio with SHA’s reported 158.6 percent utilisation rate, warning that fiscal discipline has collapsed under the current system.
Infrastructure Delays and Leadership Concerns
The PLP leader further criticized delays surrounding infrastructure projects, particularly the proposed Ksh 7 billion Nithi Bridge project. Her remarks followed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s April 1 pledge on development in the region, including compensation plans for affected landowners.
Karua dismissed the delays as excuses, arguing that residents deserve functioning roads, properly funded hospitals, and support for farmers instead of repeated launch ceremonies and announcements.
“Leadership is not convoys and groundbreakings; it is delivering results,” she stated.
Call for Political Change Ahead of 2027
Calling for political change in 2027, Karua urged Kenyans to elect leaders focused on service delivery and accountability. She accused the current administration of announcing billions for projects while failing to complete basic development priorities.
She said her presidential bid is aimed at restoring systems within one term before handing leadership opportunities to younger leaders.
