Muturi Claims Ruto Misled Him Into Approving Four SHA Health Bills

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has alleged that William Ruto misled him into approving a cabinet memorandum that paved the way for four controversial laws creating the Social Health Authority.

Speaking during a radio interview on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Muturi said he initially declined to approve the memo because he believed the legislative process had not been properly followed.

The former AG explained that the memorandum included four major health laws: the Primary Healthcare Act, the Digital Health Act, the Facility Improvement Financing Act, and the Social Health Insurance Act. These laws later became the foundation of the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan.

Muturi said he had strong reservations about approving the memo because, as Attorney General at the time, his office was supposed to review all bills before they were forwarded to Parliament.

According to him, this process is meant to ensure that legislation meets legal standards and constitutional requirements.

He noted that he initially refused to sign the document, arguing that even government institutions such as the National Treasury could make mistakes. However, he insisted that legal procedures should never be ignored when drafting legislation.

Muturi further claimed that President Ruto persuaded him to approve the memo, suggesting that the approval would help the President present a strong message during a political rally in Kakamega.

According to Muturi, the President assured him that any legal issues in the bills could later be corrected through amendments.

Muturi said he eventually agreed to sign the memorandum to maintain unity within the government and avoid putting the President in an uncomfortable position when addressing the public.

However, Muturi stated that soon after signing the document, he was summoned by the National Assembly of Kenya to explain the progress of the four bills.

He told lawmakers that he could not provide detailed answers because the bills had not been processed through his office as required by law.

Laws Introduced to Replace NHIF

The four laws were eventually passed in November 2023 and introduced major reforms in Kenya’s healthcare system.

One of the key changes was replacing the National Hospital Insurance Fund with the Social Health Authority. The new framework created three funds to support healthcare services: the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.

Under the new system, all adults living in Kenya are required to contribute to the health insurance program. Salaried workers make monthly contributions, while those in the informal sector are required to pay annually.

Court Battles Over the SHA Laws

The rollout of the new healthcare system faced legal challenges soon after the laws were enacted. A High Court initially issued orders stopping their implementation.

However, an appellate court overturned that decision in January 2024, allowing the Social Health Insurance Act to take effect. Following the ruling, all assets and responsibilities previously managed by NHIF were transferred to the Social Health Authority.

Muturi’s recent remarks have now reopened debate over how the laws were introduced and whether the correct constitutional procedures were followed during their approval.