Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has made shocking allegations, claiming he was offered a Ksh.4 million bribe to vote in favor of impeaching former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Maanzo accused unnamed “state agents” of attempting to influence his decision and alleged that dissenters faced persistent threats.
Bribery Allegations Rock Parliament
Maanzo described the bribe as a conditional offer meant to secure a unanimous Senate vote for Gachagua’s removal.
“There was an offer of Ksh.4 million to vote YES. If you took the money and voted NO, you wouldn’t make it home,” Maanzo revealed. He further alleged that individuals from the State House and Parliament were actively pressuring lawmakers to deliver a 100% impeachment vote.
Maanzo criticized the growing trend of bribery in legislative processes, warning that it has led to the passage of poorly scrutinized laws, which he believes are a major factor in Kenya’s ongoing challenges.
“This bribery in Parliament must stop. We are running the country through bribes,” he lamented.
Health Sector in Crisis Amid Allegations of Corruption
Maanzo linked the alleged bribery culture to the crumbling state of Kenya’s healthcare system, particularly the struggles of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). He claimed that failed systems and unresolved issues have left Kenyans unable to access critical medical services.
President William Ruto recently acknowledged challenges in implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), describing it as the country’s most ambitious program. During a service in Roysambu, Nairobi, on March 2, 2025, he assured Kenyans that the program’s glitches would be addressed, although the process might take time.
“It is the biggest program we have in the country. It may take time for things to align, but believe me, it is going to work,” the President stated.
Rural Hospitals Suspend Health Insurance Services
The Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) announced its suspension of SHA services due to unresolved system challenges, including prolonged downtimes, OTP verification failures, and claim approval delays.
“We have unpaid debt dating back to 2017. Hospitals are facing bank defaults, essential medicine stocks are running out, and consultants remain unpaid for years,” said RUPHA’s spokesperson.
Government Promises Action
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki affirmed the government’s commitment to fixing the healthcare system, emphasizing that resolving these issues remains a priority to ensure quality care for all Kenyans.
Maanzo’s bribery claims and the ongoing health sector crisis underscore the urgent need for accountability and systemic reforms to restore public trust in Kenya’s institutions.
