Director of Medical Services for Preventive and Promotive Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Andrew Mulwa Speaking during a Women Empowerment Programme at Enzai in Mukaa, Kilome Constituency on July 13, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Director of Medical Services for Preventive and Promotive Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Andrew Mulwa, has officially declared his bid for the Makueni Senate seat, accusing the current senator of failing to effectively oversee the county government and defend residents on critical healthcare issues.
Speaking during a Women Empowerment Programme at Enzai in Mukaa, Kilome Constituency on Monday, Mulwa said he was seeking the Senate seat to restore effective oversight and champion improved healthcare services for the people of Makueni.
The former Makueni County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health said that during the administration of former Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, the county made significant strides in expanding healthcare infrastructure and access to medical services.
"We left office after initiating more than 200 new health facilities across the county. We equipped hospitals with drugs and introduced Universal Health Coverage through the Kivutha Card, ensuring residents could access treatment without financial hardship," he said.
Mulwa claimed that the county's free healthcare programme was later scrapped, forcing residents to pay for treatment and medication. He faulted the current senator for allegedly remaining silent as residents struggled to access affordable healthcare.
"When the Universal Health Coverage programme was discontinued, I did not hear the senator defend the people of Makueni. Even when hospitals ran out of essential drugs, there was no strong voice speaking on behalf of residents," he said.
The senior health official said his decision to enter politics followed persistent appeals from residents, elders, clergy and professionals who urged him to contest the Senate seat.
Mulwa revealed that he was initially reluctant to join the race but reconsidered after what he described as a divine calling.
"I did not want to be like Jonah in the Bible, who initially refused God's mission to Nineveh. After consultations with community leaders and hearing what I believe was God's voice telling me not to betray the people of Makueni, I accepted the call to serve," he said.
He pledged to use the Senate office to strengthen oversight of the county government and advocate for better healthcare services, promising to push for adequate drug supplies in public hospitals.
Mulwa further pledged that, if elected, he would work to ensure the return of Makueni's Universal Health Coverage programme within the first week of assuming office, regardless of who would be serving as governor.
"I want to be the voice of the people. My priority will be ensuring our hospitals are well-equipped with medicines and that residents can once again access affordable healthcare," he said.
The Senate hopeful also used the platform to explain his decision to seek the seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, saying President William Ruto had demonstrated commitment to equitable national development.
Mulwa praised the President's leadership, citing the nationwide Affordable Housing Programme and infrastructure development projects as evidence of balanced distribution of government resources.
"Unlike previous administrations that concentrated development in selected regions, President Ruto has ensured every county benefits from national projects. That is why I have chosen to run on the UDA ticket," he said.
He urged Makueni residents to support both his Senate bid and President Ruto's re-election, arguing that doing so would secure better opportunities for future generations.
Mulwa's declaration comes just a day after President Ruto publicly endorsed his Senate ambitions during a visit to Kitui County, signaling growing Kenya Kwanza support for his candidature ahead of the 2027 General Election.
