President William Ruto has come to the defense of his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, while clarifying the government’s transition from the Linda Mama program to the new Linda Jamii initiative.
Addressing the matter on Tuesday, September 30, Ruto urged fairness toward the former head of state, acknowledging the groundwork laid by the maternal healthcare scheme launched under the Jubilee administration.
He noted that Linda Mama, introduced during Uhuru’s tenure, offered important lessons and experiences that guided the development of the current Linda Jamii program.
Ruto Backs Uhuru in Linda Jamii Transition. Photo: Courtesy.
Ruto characterized Linda Jamii as an advancement of the earlier Linda Mama scheme, saying it builds on lessons learned to provide more inclusive healthcare coverage.
He highlighted the distinction between the two programs, explaining that whereas Linda Mama concentrated mainly on maternal deliveries, Linda Jamii extends its scope to cover additional services.
According to the President, the new initiative includes prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal services, representing a major step forward from the original model.
The President’s remarks came days after former President Uhuru Kenyatta criticized the phasing out of programs established during his tenure.
Addressing the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference on Friday, September 26, Uhuru expressed disappointment over what he called the reversal of gains made under his administration, singling out the Linda Mama program.
He argued that proven initiatives were being abandoned for untested schemes, leaving citizens to bear the consequences, and warned that the country risked repeating past mistakes by focusing on rhetoric instead of practical solutions.
