In a pointed response to former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent defense of his administration’s record, Senator Hassan Omar Hassan has sharply criticized what he describes as “mediocrity disguised as progress.” This exchange highlights ongoing debates over Kenya’s healthcare and infrastructure policies
At the Jubilee Party’s National Delegates Conference on September 26, 2025, Uhuru Kenyatta expressed gratitude to loyal party members and legal personnel who facilitated the reinstatement of the party’s leadership. He stated:
“Today is a happy day for me and for the entire Jubilee fraternity. For a long time, we have been taken round in circles by people with devious machinations, but we have overcome all that through the will of God.”
He emphasized the importance of democracy within the party, asserting:
“Politics is about many things, but it is first and foremost about the collective will of the people through the ballot box. So it is my hope from today that we shall see the end of machinations and a start of democratic process since it is the people who will decide the direction the party takes, and not a few individuals.”
In his speech, Uhuru also criticized the current administration, accusing it of implementing “untested experiments.”
Senator Hassan Omar Hassan responded on September 27, 2025, accusing Uhuru of whitewashing a record of “mediocrity and below average performance.” He specifically challenged Uhuru’s claims about the maternal healthcare program, Linda Mama, and the infrastructure projects initiated during his tenure.
Omar contended that Linda Mama was limited in scope, covering only mothers during delivery and not accounting for complications. In contrast, he lauded the Linda Jamii program under President William Ruto’s administration for its comprehensive coverage, including ante-natal, delivery, post-natal services, and complications, benefiting not just mothers but also newborns and families.
Regarding infrastructure, Omar pointed out that Uhuru’s administration left behind a KSh1.1 trillion roads’ pending bill covering 1,300km, with KSh700 billion tied up in mere tenders and the rest reflecting stalled projects. He accused Uhuru’s government of reckless borrowing and unsustainable infrastructure projects.
In contrast, Omar praised the current administration’s approach, noting that it has creatively found solutions to build roads using locally mobilized resources, securing a part of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund
This exchange between Uhuru Kenyatta and Hassan Omar Hassan underscores the deepening political divide in Kenya over the effectiveness and sustainability of past and present government initiatives. As the nation grapples with pressing issues in healthcare and infrastructure, the contrasting perspectives of these political figures highlight the complexities of governance and the challenges of delivering on promises made to the electorate.
The debate continues to evolve, with both sides presenting their visions for Kenya’s future. It remains to be seen how these discussions will shape public opinion and influence policy decisions in the coming month
