Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on Friday, October 20, 2023, visited former Lang'ata MP aspirant Tony Ogola Sira Sine, who is ailing in hospital.
Sine was among 10 candidates who were eying the Langa'ta Parliamentary seat through ODM in 2019 following the death of the then MP Ken Okoth.
In a statement after visiting him, Raila revealed that the ODM lieutenant had undergone surgery, although he did not share many details.
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"Visited Tony Sine in the hospital to say pole, as he continues his recovery after surgery. We're here for you, Tony, and we're praying for your quick and full recovery," Raila stated.
In February 2023, Sine was shortlisted for the position of a member of the Kendu Bay Municipality Board.
Sine is currently admitted at the Coptic Hospital where he is recuperating after undergoing a major operation on the stomach.
Raila skips Mashujaa Day celebrations
On Friday, Raila skipped Mashujaa Day celebrations which were held at the Kericho Green Stadium led by President William Ruto.
Unlike his norm, Raila did not even issue a statement regarding the day, in which Kenyans celebrate heroes and heroines who fought for Kenya's independence.
In his Mashujaa Day speech, the President delved much in universal health coverage after flagging over 100,000 community health promoters.
"We are implementing a per-household payment system, where a flat rate applies to everyone, regardless of their income. Consider this for example, previously, an individual earning Ksh 10,000 had to part with Ksh 500 to NHIF, a hefty 5% of their earnings. On the other hand, those with salaries of Ksh 100,000 or more contributed Ksh 1,700, a mere 1.7% of their income," Ruto said.
"Astonishingly, even someone with a monthly income of Ksh 1 million, say, the President, paid the same amount - Ksh1700, which translates to a paltry 0.17% of their substantial earnings. This bizarre setup meant that low-income earners were effectively subsidizing high-income earners."
According to government statistics, health insurance coverage in Kenya is generally low at 26 per cent, with those at the bottom of the economic pyramid having the least coverage of less than 5 per cent.
