Mwala MP Eng. Vincent Musau, popularly known as Kawaya, was on the receiving end of public frustration on Friday after a section of bodaboda operators heckled him mid-speech during a public empowerment event in Machakos town.
The incident occurred during a Kenya Kwanza-led forum aimed at empowering bodaboda riders, maruti, and tuk-tuk drivers. The event, held at the Machakos Teachers’ Training College, drew dozens of operators and local residents, alongside several Kenya Kwanza-allied leaders, including Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule, Nominated Senator Beth Syengo, and Kangundo MP Fabian Muli.
Tension flared when Kawaya took the podium and began criticizing the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) while defending the rollout of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“We had NHIF, but it was not working,” Kawaya began, before being interrupted by loud jeers and boos from the crowd. Some bodaboda operators raised placards in protest, clearly unhappy with his remarks and the government’s position on the controversial health insurance reforms.
“Hata kama umenyemelewa na suti kombo, lazima uniskize,” he attempted to continue, but the shouting intensified, drowning out his speech and forcing him to cut it short.
The crowd’s reaction highlights growing unease over the implementation of SHIF, which has faced nationwide criticism due to increased mandatory contributions and a lack of clarity on benefits.
Efforts to calm the situation were led by Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule, who appealed for decorum and urged the crowd to respect all leaders present.
Kawaya, a third-term MP and Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has frequently appeared as chief guest at similar forums, but Friday’s reception underscored rising public discontent.
