Linda Jamii Is Way Better Than Linda Mama, UDA Hits Back at Uhuru

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has launched a blistering counterattack against retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of peddling half-truths in his defence of the Linda Mama maternity programme.

In a statement Saturday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar dismissed Uhuru’s claim that the Jubilee-era scheme outshines the Ruto administration’s Linda Jamii initiative, branding the remarks as selective and misleading.

“Linda Jamii is ahead in scope, quality, and inclusivity. It is a true household cover, not a limited package,” Omar declared, insisting that the Ruto government has expanded health access far beyond what its predecessor offered.

According to UDA, Linda Mama restricted benefits to expectant mothers and delivery services, leaving out spouses and children, while Linda Jamii—now run by the one-year-old Social Health Authority (SHA)—covers the entire household. The programme caters for antenatal, delivery, and post-natal care, and pays for complications such as ICU and HDU treatment.

Omar noted that the new scheme has doubled payouts, with normal deliveries set at Sh10,000 and Caesarean sections at Sh34,200, compared to Sh17,500 under Linda Mama. Payments in Level 6 hospitals go as high as Sh30,000.

“This is a universal model, unlike NHIF, which for decades only served those who could contribute. Uhuru should stop comparing apples and oranges,” Omar fired.

The UDA official also tore into Uhuru’s record on infrastructure, accusing him of leaving a staggering Sh1.1 trillion in pending road bills tied to 1,300 kilometres of incomplete projects. “We inherited a country buried in debt and stalled works. We are now building roads sustainably, using the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, not reckless borrowing,” he said.

Omar maintained that Ruto’s administration is not only delivering a stronger health system but also pursuing infrastructure with “prudence, accountability, and sustainability.”

The exchange marks an escalation of political hostilities between Kenya Kwanza and Uhuru’s camp, as both sides battle to shape the legacy debate around healthcare and development.