State mismanaging funds in health, eCitizen platform- Sifuna

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has launched a sharp criticism of the government, accusing it of diverting billions of shillings through the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the eCitizen platform while real hospitals and schools continue to suffer.

Speaking on Sunday, August 24, 2025, during a church service at Jesus Teaching Ministry (JTM) in Donholm, Embakasi East, Sifuna pointed to the closure of St. Mary’s Hospital in Mumias where he was born as a clear sign of government neglect.

He said the facility was forced to shut down due to debts, yet billions are being sent to hospitals that do not exist.

“When the government pays money to ghost hospitals, while real ones like St. Mary’s in Mumias are closing because of debt, they expect us to keep quiet. Instead of paying real hospitals, they send money to imaginary ones,” Sifuna charged.

His remarks came days after the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) warned that poor regulation and funding cuts at the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) had allowed SHA to channel public funds to fraudulent health facilities.

Media reports had also claimed that Sh20 million was paid to a non-existent hospital in Homa Bay, allegations SHA later denied.

Sifuna further connected the scandal to wider governance failures, especially the controversial eCitizen system, which he said had become another platform for siphoning billions.

“When eCitizen loses over Sh40 billion, they still want us to remain silent. And when we speak, they threaten us. But before they punish us, God Himself will deal with them,” he declared to applause from the congregation.

His remarks echoed those made in Parliament last month, when the Public Accounts Committee grilled Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo over Sh44.8 billion flagged as missing from the eCitizen platform.

Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has since cautioned that the state has little control over the platform, which is largely run by private vendors, making it vulnerable to leakages.

The Senator also accused government officials of presiding over theft in other key sectors, including education. He said funds meant for school capitation were being stolen, while those raising concerns were being silenced.

“When we speak about the theft of capitation funds in schools, they tell us to stop. But we will not be silent,” Sifuna affirmed.

As the ODM Secretary-General, Sifuna’s remarks add to growing political pressure, with MPs across the divide demanding greater accountability in how billions of shillings are managed.