Speaking during a public engagement, Omar clarified that the Kenya Kwanza administration had not scrapped the maternal healthcare initiative but had instead expanded it to be more inclusive under the newly launched Linda Jamii.
“Hatujatoa Linda Mama. Wewe ulikuwa unalinda wamama pekee. Sisi tunalinda mama, watoto na jamii. Ndiyo tumeleta Linda Jamii,” Omar asserted.
The former Mombasa Senator explained that while Linda Mama, introduced under President Uhuru’s Jubilee administration, was instrumental in improving maternal healthcare access, it was limited in scope. He argued that the Kenya Kwanza government had broadened the program to not only support mothers but also safeguard the health of children and the wider community.
Uhuru’s Defense of Linda Mama
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, while addressing residents in a recent event, criticized the government for what he termed as the “dismantling” of critical social programs that benefited millions of Kenyans. He particularly singled out Linda Mama, a scheme that allowed expectant mothers to access free maternity services in public hospitals.
Uhuru maintained that such programs should not be politicized, noting that they had tangible benefits in reducing maternal and infant mortality.
The Shift to Linda Jamii
In response, Hassan Omar said Kenya Kwanza’s Linda Jamii is designed to cover a wider bracket of vulnerable groups. Unlike Linda Mama, which was narrowly focused on mothers, the new program seeks to integrate maternal healthcare with child welfare and broader community health coverage.
According to Omar, the shift reflects the government’s agenda of strengthening universal healthcare and ensuring that no group is left behind.
Political Undertones
The exchange highlights the deepening political rivalry between allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and leaders within President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration. While the Jubilee regime prided itself on launching flagship social welfare programs such as Linda Mama and free primary healthcare, the current administration insists it is improving those frameworks to meet wider societal needs.
Analysts note that debates around healthcare programs such as Linda Mama and Linda Jamii are not just about policy, but also about political legacy. Uhuru wants to protect the legacy of his administration, while Kenya Kwanza leaders are eager to brand their reforms as evidence of doing “more for Kenyans.”
