By Sefu Sabila
Worth Noting:
- “I hear the opposition leader has said, we should not have a seat down with the judiciary. While things were not in his favour, I agreed to have talks with him. These cartels have run to leaders for protection. “President William Ruto said.
- “These people opposed to any conversation among Kenyan institutions so that we can face out challenges that are facing development are the ones who have been recruited by cartels and crooks, so that they can continue to benefit to the disadvantage of the people. We will not allow them.” President William Ruto further stated.
President William Ruto has criticized the leaders of the opposition wing following the move to oppose negotiations between him and the judiciary to resolve the existing hostility between the department and the government.
Speaking during the launch of Kiptogot-Kolongolo Water Supply Project in Endebess Constituency Transnzoia county on Wednesday, the President criticized Azimio leader Raila Odinga and other opposition leaders for opposing talks between him and Chief Justice Martha Koome.
The president was in accompaniment of the County governor George Natembeya, area Mps Dr. Robert Pukose, Kwanza Ferdinand Wanyonyi, Kiminini MP Maurice Bissau and health CS Susan Nakhumicha among other county officials and leaders from Trans Nzoia.
The President saying he is ready to negotiate with the department to face the controversy between the government and the judiciary in the country, terming opposition move as shameful and selfish. The president further criticizing judges for running out to leaders after scandals for protection and immunity, which the president has in recent days condemned saying, his administration will not condone corrupt judges.
“I hear the opposition leader has said, we should not have a seat down with the judiciary. While things were not in his favour, I agreed to have talks with him. These cartels have run to leaders for protection. “President William Ruto said.
“These people opposed to any conversation among Kenyan institutions so that we can face out challenges that are facing development are the ones who have been recruited by cartels and crooks, so that they can continue to benefit to the disadvantage of the people. We will not allow them.” President William Ruto further stated.
The fights between the president and the judiciary that started early this year, after the president called out the judiciary on sabotaging his development agenda. The president accused judges for being corrupt, and frustrating the Kenya Kwanza government agendas.
On Sunday, the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he will lead in providing evidence against judges accused of corruption. The Deputy President said that the judge involved in his case about the source of his wealth.
The projects including the affordable housing project and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The president had cited massive corruption in the current National Insurance Health Fund (NHIF). According to President William Ruto, the new SHIF will bridge the gap for access to health services for all Kenyans, calling out the court to stop the suspension of its implementation.
The President further highlighting also, said that the case filed in court against the SHIF health insurance plan has greatly affected the health sector in the country, criticizing his opponents for undermining the plan which would greatly benefit the citizens.
“I have so many disagreements with so many people. All these people have come together and gone to court to stop the new SHIF, so that they can continue to steal the money from NHIF. This bill was passed by Parliament by your Members of Parliament; these people should let us deliver to the people the manifesto you voted for. We cannot allow few individuals who have bribed the courts and paying lawyers.” The president lamented.
In November last year, the court suspended the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), after case filled by The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacist and Dentist Union (KMPDU). KMPDU had argued that the government has gone ahead with the implementation of the social health insurance act without engaging stakeholders to resolve the contentious issues. The doctors’ union took issue with section 26(5) of the SHIF Act which provides that;
“Any person who is registerable as a member in this act shall produce proof of compliance with the provisions of this Act on registration and contribution as a precondition of accessing public services from the national government, county government or national and county government entities.”
Last week Wednesday the government through its lawyer Fred Ngatia, asked the court to stop the suspension, as patient’s are suffering after the suspension of the NHIF scheme pre-authorization. The high court is set to give a ruling on the implementation of SHIF on Friday 19th this week.
Mt Kenya Times