The Ford Kenya (FK) Party National Youth Wing, led by its National President Musa Chekai, held a press conference on Thursday morning at the party headquarters on Riverside Drive, Westlands, Nairobi.
The conference aimed to defend and protect Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Mulongo, whom the league said has faced increasing criticism from politicians, media houses, and cartels within Afya House over ongoing challenges in the health sector.
The Youth indicated that the challenges faced at the Health Ministry are historical and that the new SHA and SHI were government initiatives that need to be implanted with high level consolations and not pinned on the current CS.
“CS Mulongo is a victim of circumstances since she has just joined the Ministry. The country should be made aware that the new policies are government initiates while CS Mulongo is the one in charge of implementing them”, said Chekai
Chekai further said that FK Youths stand in solidarity with CS Mulongo, adding that she possesses the necessary experience and skills to steer the docket in the right direction.
He urged all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue rather than placing the blame solely on the CS.
“We are here in solidarity with the CS, and we acknowledge that the issues affecting the health sector require proper and deeper consultations with all stakeholders. It is unfair to blame everything on the CS,” said Chekai.
Chiveli William, the FK Youth Leader from Bungoma, echoed Chekai’s sentiments, stating that the youth unanimously oppose the unwarranted attacks on CS Mulongo.
He asserted that she is being unfairly targeted for political reasons, which he deemed unhealthy for national progress.
“As Youths, we want to defend her because we know she has the capability to elevate the health sector. We cannot sit back and watch our daughter from the Mukembe nation being harassed,” Chiveli stated.
During the press conference, FK Youth leaders also expressed support for ODM leader Raila Odinga’s decision to collaborate with President William Ruto to advance national development.
Chiveli stated that Raila’s move aims to unite all Kenyan communities and should be embraced for the sake of national cohesion.
“We appreciate Raila’s decision to work with President Ruto to bring unity to the country. This unity should spread across all regions to foster development,” he added.
Jenny Achieng, FK Deputy Youth Leader for Nairobi County, urged CS Mulongo to remain steadfast and focused on her responsibilities despite the political distractions.
She highlighted that a similar pattern of attacks was witnessed during former CS Susan Nakhumicha’s tenure and should not be repeated.
“We will not allow the same kind of political warfare that was waged against former CS Susan Nakhumicha to be repeated. CS Mulongo should stay strong and focused on delivering her mandate,” said Achieng.
Abraham Wangila, National Organizing Secretary of the FK Youth League, acknowledged that the health sector faces numerous challenges, including the struggles of the Social Health Authority (SHA) program and ongoing strikes.
However, he insisted that resolving these issues requires collective effort rather than targeting one individual.
“As a party, we recognize the existing challenges in the health sector, but these problems can only be solved through teamwork. We see that CS Mulongo is being targeted by cartels who previously benefited from NHIF and now want to exploit SHA,” Wangila remarked.
He further affirmed that FK youths will not remain silent while CS Mulongo is unfairly used as a scapegoat for the systemic problems plaguing the ministry.
The press conference that comes barely two days after Western MPs caucus also voiced their concern too on the continuous attacks on the Cs underscored the youth wing’s commitment to defending CS Mulongo against what they term as politically motivated attacks, while also calling for inclusive and strategic solutions to the health sector’s challenges.