Ndegwa Njiru and Dennis Itumbi End Public SHA Dispute, Reveal Family Connection

On August 23, lawyer Ndegwa Njiru and presidential aide Dennis Itumbi engaged in a heated debate on X regarding the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme's functionality.

Njiru questioned the need for President William Ruto's extensive televised promotion of SHA, suggesting a truly effective system would not require such measures. He called for direct feedback from low-income communities like Mathare and Mukuru-Kwa Njenga instead of what he described as a "stage-managed" broadcast.

In response, Itumbi cited personal family cases as evidence of SHA's impact. He noted their cousin's Kenyatta National Hospital bill of KSh 789,000 was largely covered by SHA (KSh 704,000), and that Njiru's maternal aunt had her Tenri Hospital expenses fully paid by the scheme shortly before she passed away.

Following these revelations, Njiru confirmed they share blood ties, describing Itumbi as his "real cousin". Despite this, he warned that their public dispute risked ancestral disapproval and suggested political divisions might be influencing their disagreement.

While Njiru acknowledged the family connection, he remained skeptical of the claims supporting SHA's success, requesting concrete proof of the benefits their relatives received. Itumbi admitted concerns about how he obtained private medical billing information but implied those familiar with the context understood his sources.

This exchange reflects wider national debates, as many Kenyans and opposition figures continue to report challenges accessing care under SHA, contrasting with government assertions of the programme's achievements.