Michael Makarina, a well-known politician from Meru, has been hospitalised after falling seriously ill. The news of his condition quickly spread, prompting an outpouring of support and prayers from friends, fans, and fellow public figures. A video of Makarina lying in a hospital bed has been circulating online, showing him in good spirits despite his condition. In the clip, he expressed gratitude to those who visited him and urged everyone to continue supporting each other through prayer, saying, “Let’s continue praying for one another.”
Many Kenyans have flooded social media with heartfelt messages, wishing him a quick recovery. Among the notable visitors to his bedside was comedian Oga Obinna, whose presence added a dose of cheer and comfort to the ailing politician.
In a candid Facebook post, Makarina opened up about the difficult experience he endured during his hospital admission. He spoke emotionally about arriving at the hospital at midnight in severe pain, only to face an uphill battle with the health coverage system. According to him, both the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) failed to deliver when he needed them most. His wife struggled to navigate the system and secure financial support for the medical expenses, but despite her best efforts, little help was forthcoming.
Makarina highlighted how the promises made by SHA and SHIF did not match the reality on the ground. He described the health cover amount offered as negligible—so low it wouldn’t even cover a single phone call. This experience, he said, exposed the gap between what the system claims to provide and what it actually delivers to ordinary citizens in times of need.
Amid the struggle, a familiar face came to Makarina’s rescue. Former Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti stepped in after seeing Makarina’s online post. Kinoti reached out immediately, assured Makarina’s wife not to worry, and personally cleared the hospital bill. Makarina expressed deep appreciation for this act of kindness, explaining that Kinoti’s intervention wasn’t about financial need, but a reflection of the close friendship and brotherhood they had shared over the years. He praised Kinoti for acting swiftly and selflessly.
Following his ordeal, Makarina took a strong stance against the current healthcare system. He stated emphatically that the SHA was failing to serve the public effectively and called the SHIF “a sweet story at press conferences but a nightmare in reality.” According to him, the public frustration and loss of trust in the government stem not from propaganda, but from real, lived experiences of neglect and broken promises.
He used his platform to call for urgent reform in the healthcare sector, warning that the government risks losing the support of the people if it continues to ignore their most basic needs. His message was a mix of personal vulnerability, public criticism, and a call to action.
In addition, Makarina commented on the controversial death of Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody after being accused of publishing defamatory content. While many Kenyans called for accountability, Makarina argued that the situation was being politicised, defending Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, whom many had blamed for the tragedy.
