Sifuna Raises Alarm Over Insecurity And Nairobi Hospital Takeover
News Updated: 24 March 2026 19:44 EAT
Photo Credit: Edwin Sifuna on X
Senator Edwin Sifuna has voiced strong concerns over rising insecurity across Kenya, citing recent incidents that he said underscore a deteriorating security environment. He highlighted the killing of four people by bandits in Marsabit, ongoing marauding gangs in Vihiga, and the discovery of unidentified bodies in mass graves in Kericho.
Sifuna criticized the government’s focus on surveillance of the political class, claiming the Interior Ministry tracks politicians’ locations while failing to address the real threats posed by bandits and criminal networks. He said this misallocation of resources leaves ordinary citizens vulnerable to attacks and undermines public confidence in law enforcement.
The Nairobi Hospital takeover dominated the debate, with Sifuna questioning why police were sent to occupy what he described as a private facility. He described the President’s actions as intimidation and a diversion from pressing national issues, framing it as part of a broader concern over government overreach.
Contrasting the focus on the private Nairobi Hospital, Sifuna highlighted neglect in public health institutions. He noted chronic shortages at Kenyatta National Hospital, including blood, reagents, and essential equipment such as broken radiotherapy machines, underscoring systemic gaps in public healthcare delivery.
Senator Boni Khalwale responded to Sifuna’s remarks by commenting on the arrest of Dr. Obaka at Nairobi Hospital, stressing the need for due process and respect for private medical institutions. His comments echoed broader parliamentary concern over state intervention in private facilities.
Senator Manzo also weighed in, linking Sifuna’s security concerns to general national safety, emphasizing that citizens face multiple threats that require urgent policy and operational interventions.
The debate reflects growing tension between the government and opposition lawmakers over how state resources are deployed and priorities set, particularly in matters of national security and healthcare management.
Sifuna’s statements on insecurity align with reports of escalating banditry in remote counties, where local communities have often appealed for increased police presence and rapid response units to curb attacks.
The focus on Nairobi Hospital comes amid public scrutiny over private health facilities’ role during national crises and their interaction with regulatory authorities. Lawmakers have questioned whether such interventions are proportional or politically motivated.
Healthcare experts have previously corroborated Sifuna’s claims on shortages, noting that Kenyatta National Hospital faces systemic challenges including equipment failure, staff shortages, and inadequate supply chains, which compromise patient care.
Parliamentary observers say the exchange highlights a broader debate on balancing public and private sector roles in national development and security, with the opposition pressing for accountability and the government defending operational decisions.
Sifuna’s critique of government surveillance priorities reflects long-standing concerns about civil liberties and the use of state apparatus to monitor political figures while ordinary citizens remain exposed to criminal activity.
Overall, the Senate session underscored urgent national issues spanning security, healthcare, and governance, with opposition lawmakers calling for immediate remedial measures while emphasizing the need for transparency, efficiency, and citizen protection
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FELIX MAKONA
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