Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Defends SHA, Calls Out Critics in First Briefing as Government Spokesperson

  Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has taken a firm, defensive stance on critical state policies and national governance while challenging political opponents to move beyond rhetoric and present constructive solutions.

  Speaking during his media briefing on Wednesday, August 26, 2026—his first formal engagement with the press since taking office following his appointment a month prior to succeed Dr. Isaac Mwaura—Owino addressed a wide range of issues spanning health sector reforms, political discourse, state preparedness, and democratic freedoms.

        Government Spokesperson Charles Owino 

              SHA is Here to Stay

   Dismissing opposition calls to abolish the Social Health Authority (SHA) as unrealistic political declarations, Owino insisted that the new health framework is anchored in law and cannot simply be dismantled by an incoming administration.

  "I want to tell you, whoever becomes the president, even if it is not President Ruto, cannot do away with SHA," Owino stated, terming promises to scrap the system as “a dream,” “a lie,” and “wishful thinking”.

  Owino emphasized that SHA is not synonymous with President William Ruto but is an authority established under the Social Health Insurance Act. He noted that over 31 million Kenyans have already registered under the health model, which comprises distinct pillars including the Social Health Insurance Fund, the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, the Primary Healthcare Fund, and the Hospital Development Fund. While acknowledging that the system faces initial implementation challenges, Owino reiterated that the government remains ready to make necessary adjustments based on facts rather than politics.

           Challenge to Opponents: "What Is Your Plan?"

   Addressing the political opposition and anti-government critics whose central message revolves around unseating the current administration, Owino questioned the substance of their platform.

Acknowledging constitutional term limits, Owino noted that leadership change is inevitable, but challenged leaders to outline a clear vision for the nation’s youth.

   "The President must go. We know the President must go at one time. Whether one term or two terms, he must go because that is what our constitution has provided. But what are you leaving for these young people who are coming up? What are you going to do better?" Owino posed.

    He urged political leaders to present actionable policies that build on existing achievements rather than relying strictly on opposition slogans.

     

              Call for Respect and Condemnation of Online Abuse

     Owino expressed deep concern over the growing trend of personal attacks and abusive language directed at the Head of State, particularly on social media platforms.

    "It is very sad and very unacceptable to hear especially a young, upcoming Kenyan abuse the Head of State and the President of the Republic. What moral values do you hold? What examples are you showing the upcoming young members of our society?" he remarked.

     While affirming that every citizen has a right to hold differing political views, Owino stressed that the presidency remains a symbol of national unity and urged Kenyans—especially the youth—to uphold decorum and preserve the dignity of state institutions.

              Open Debate, Human Rights, and Disaster Preparedness

    Marking Katiba Day on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Owino reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defending constitutional rights and welcoming media scrutiny. He urged both the press and the public to hold both the state and the opposition accountable using data and objective facts.

     At the same time, the former police spokesperson defended police conduct during public demonstrations, arguing that while peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, law enforcement is forced to step in when demonstrations deteriorate into destruction, such as the burning of tires on public roads.

    Concluding his briefing, Owino highlighted ongoing multi-agency disaster preparedness measures ahead of anticipated El Niño rains. He pointed out that national and county governments are coordinating evacuations in high-risk zones, sensitizing communities, and clearing drainage and water channels—particularly in Nairobi—to mitigate severe flooding.