Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi has applauded Kakamega Catholic Bishop Joseph Obanyi after the bishop confirmed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) made disbursements to St. Mary’s Mission Hospital, Mumias.
In his statement on September 4, Mudavadi said the bishop's admission clearing the air on the payments issue was commendable and helped put an end to the issue that had turned into controversy.
"In moments when truth is most needed, leadership must rise above noise, and that is exactly what Kakamega Catholic Bishop Joseph Obanyi has done by boldly affirming the issue of SHA disbursements to St. Mary’s Mission Hospital, Mumias," a statement by the PCS read in part.
"His correction has vindicated the facts I had earlier shared, bringing clarity where doubt had been sown and putting to rest a matter that had been needlessly turned into controversy."
The PCS also criticised those who had seized upon the matter in an attempt to further their own political agendas.
"Bishop Obanyi’s gesture is a shining example of integrity and statesmanship, one that ought to inspire leaders across all spheres, especially those who had sought to exploit this issue for political mileage. It is through such acts of truth and responsibility that we build stronger, more united communities," Mudavadi stated.
SHA Disbursement
Bishop Obanyi had earlier said the hospital had only received about Sh9 million, money he said was meant for the renal unit.
The bishop said the larger sums being reported did not match what the hospital had received and warned against politicising the matter.
The numbers in shared by the PCS and the clergy did not match. Mudavadi had claimed that SHA records showed total reimbursements to St. Mary’s of about Ksh98 million between December 2024 and August 2025.
However, the bishop spoke of just Ksh9 million that was received for the renal unit as he maintained that the facility was still owed much more.
Bishop Obanyi had stuck to his view despite the figures by Mudavadi as he claimed that hospital’s day-to-day operations felt no relief because the money that was received could not clear all claims or cover salaries.
“Since June this year up to now, we may have received about Sh9 million, which is designated for the renal unit,” he said.
Duale at St Mary's Hospital
On Wednesday, September 3, government officials led by Health CS Aden Duale visited the facility which had been closed due to shortage of funding.
Speaking after the meeting also attended by Bishop Obanyi, Duale revealed that the government and SHA had agreed on a roadmap to clear outstanding claims owed to the hospital.
“The Social Health Authority has already paid St Mary’s Sh98 million in pending bills since last December. A further Sh14 million will be released in the coming weeks as soon as the necessary documentation is submitted,” Duale said.
While lamenting about delayed disbursements which had triggered a staff strike at the facility, Bishop Obanyi, expressed confidence that the new arrangement would restore stability at the hospital.
“We have held fruitful discussions, and we now understand where we are. The Sh34 million pending will help us clear salary arrears, while an additional Sh10 million is under verification. We are committed to continued engagement with SHA for the benefit of our people,” he said.
