Gachagua's future, matumbo risks, SHIF chaos

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo Barasa during the launch of Social Health Authority held at Central Primary School in Eldoret City on October 1, 2024.

Dear Valued Subscriber,
Deputy President Gachagua faces impeachment as MPs go for the kill. Meanwhile, matumbo consumption is soaring, raising health concerns, and hospitals are in chaos during the transition from NHIF to SHIF—all this and more in today's Daily Briefing.

THE BIG TAKE

Gachagua's endgame: impeachment in motion

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces an impeachment motion amid rising tensions with President Ruto. Gachagua is accused of violating the constitution, making inflammatory statements and amassing wealth through corruption. He has publicly criticised Ruto, straining their political alliance. His legal team is advising him to resign if they fail to stop the impeachment, potentially saving his future in politics. A successful impeachment would bar him from holding public office for 10 years, forcing him to consider stepping down early to avoid disqualification in 2027.

Matumbo craze: the good and the risks

Matumbo's popularity has soared due to its affordability, with vendors citing economic pressures. But nutritionists warn that high consumption poses health risks, including cholesterol and digestive problems. While matumbo provides protein, collagen and vitamins such as B12 and zinc, it can contribute to obesity, heart disease and gout. Proper preparation and moderation are essential to enjoy it safely. Despite myths, it hasn't been proven to aid recovery from alcohol and healthier alternatives such as lean meats and plant proteins are recommended.

Chaos as NHIF switches to SHA

The rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (ShIF) has caused chaos at hospitals across the country, with patients left stranded due to system failures and delayed services. Patients faced confusion, long queues, and financial difficulties at major facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. Many are still not registered with SHIF, adding to the frustration. Expectant mothers, critical patients and caregivers are among those affected, questioning the need for re-registration and the lack of communication between the old NHIF and the new system.

Quick hits

Sports: Is Leopards goalie Opiyo’s talk of juju use in football just talk?

Politics: Profile of Mwengi Mutuse, MP who chose to nail Gachagua to the cross.

Crime: How teenager faked her abduction to extort Sh6 million from parents.

Lifestyle: GenZs who don’t pay their parents’ bills.

Politics: MP Ndindi Nyoro, first to hound DP Rigathi Gachagua, goes quiet.

Politics: Naisula Lesuuda: Trailblazing Samburu leader sets course for Samburu's top job in 2027.

Health: Lifting the veil on organ donation to save lives.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'Beginning of the end'. Business Daily leads with 'Banks offered bond swap as KQ misses Sh19bn loans deadline' sale blocked'. Taifa Leo leads with 'ALIVYOJITEMEA LIVYOJITEMEA SUMU'.