Veteran politician Koigi Wa Wamwere has faulted the government over its hesitation to declare cancer a national disaster, amid intensifying calls for the same.
This follows a series of deaths of notable figures over the last two months, with the latest ones being those of Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso and Kibra MP Ken Okoth.
But Koigi now says that the government, out of impunity, will not declare it a national disaster as it is only basing its decision on the notable Kenyans, and not the poor unknown patients.
He said that after allowing politicians to have health covers, the numbers of death among the leading figures and their rich colleagues are still low, which is misleading the government.
"Ni kwa sababu haja yao ya matibabu inatibiwa na bima, matatizo ya masikini hayaonekani na serikali. (its because their (the rich and politicians) health needs are insured. The sufferings of the poor is not being seen by the government)," he said on Radio Sauti Ya Mwananchi's Cheche show on Saturday evening.
The former Subukia lawmaker noted that the reluctance to make the declaration is unfair to Kenyans as it denies public hospitals the special consideration needed currently.
According to Wamwere, it will take the declaration for more resources to be released towards fighting cancer, which will result in better equipment and skills in public hospitals.
"Kansa kutotangazwa janga la kitaifa ni uonevu kwa tabaka la masikini maana hata hatuweki rasilmali za kutosha kupigana na janga hili.
(Not declaring cancer a national disaster is unfair to the poor since maximum resources to fight this epidemic are yet to be allocated)," he added.