NAIROBI— Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, self-styled as “The Duchess of Githunguri,” has ignited fierce debate in Mt Kenya politics with a scathing social media post accusing opposition leaders of misleading residents about the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a viral Facebook and X post on January 31, Wamuchomba claimed residents were “brainwashed” into believing SHA is dysfunctional, leading to low registration rates in the region while other parts of Kenya benefit from covered services. “You are left desperate… with fundraisers daily,” she wrote, contrasting this with opposition MPs and senators who have quietly updated their own SHA accounts.
Watu wa Mlima ,
We were brainwashed that SHA is not working .We refused to register. Other parts of Kenya registered and has services paid for.
You are left desperate for every opportunity to cater for your sickly with fundraisers daily.
The Wantam brigaders have to keep lying…— Hon.Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP (@hon_wamuchomba) January 31, 2026
The outspoken UDA lawmaker revealed she was once part of the opposition fold but defected after realizing she “was not honest” with constituents, instantly earning the label “mole.” She dismissed the “Wantam” slogan—popular among some Mt Kenya opposition figures—as a “scam” designed to sustain political loyalty until 2027 elections.
“Fact: SHA is working. Screening for diabetes, hypertension and other conditions is available. Primary health care is your right whether you like President Ruto or not,” Wamuchomba asserted. She ridiculed calls to “wait for 2027” for progress, saying it implies farmers should abandon fields, students delay graduation and youths remain hopeless.
Critics view “Wantam” as a rallying cry against the current government often linked to power-sharing demands. Wamuchomba countered: “Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t.”
