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Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has alleged that he was offered a bribe of Ksh. 4 million to support the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking to the media on February 22, 2024, Maanzo claimed that “state agents” attempted to sway his vote in the Senate proceedings.
According to the senator, lawmakers who indicated they would oppose the impeachment faced persistent threats.
“At least in the Gachagua matter, there was such an approach, and it didn’t work. The offer was Ksh. 4 million if you voted YES. But if you took it and voted NO, then you wouldn’t make it home,” Maanzo revealed.
He further alleged that some of those pushing for Gachagua’s removal sought a unanimous Senate vote and included Members of Parliament as well as individuals from State House.
Maanzo criticized Kenya’s Parliament, accusing it of passing laws under duress and contributing to the nation’s governance crisis.
“This bribery in the House must stop. We are running the country through bribes,” he asserted.
Bribery Claims Linked to Healthcare Crisis
The senator also linked alleged bribery to the ongoing crisis in the health sector, particularly in the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). He blamed the program’s inefficiencies on systemic corruption, which has led to the denial of medical services to many Kenyans.
President William Ruto has acknowledged challenges in implementing his administration’s health agenda. Speaking in Roysambu, Nairobi, on March 2, 2025, Ruto assured the public that Universal Health Coverage remains a priority despite early setbacks.
“It is the biggest program we have in the country. It may take time for things to align, but believe you me: it is going to work,” the President stated.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also admitted to existing challenges, affirming the government’s commitment to resolving technical issues to ensure all Kenyans access quality healthcare.
Private Hospitals Suspend SHA Services
Meanwhile, the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has announced the suspension of Social Health Authority (SHA) services. The association cited prolonged system downtimes, OTP verification delays, and difficulties in tracking claim approvals as major obstacles.
“We have unpaid debts dating back to 2017. Hospitals are facing bank defaults, essential medicines are out of stock, and many consultants have not been paid for years,” a RUPHA representative stated.
As the crisis deepens, stakeholders continue to call for urgent government intervention to address the healthcare system’s failures and restore public confidence.
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