RUTO urges Kenyan men to embrace family planning in humorous State House address – “Wacha Mama Apumzike”

Thursday, July 23, 2026 - President William Ruto has appealed to Kenyan men to embrace family planning and give women time to recover between pregnancies.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during a meeting with Jua Kali artisans, Ruto urged men not to misuse the government’s free maternity services under the Linda Jamii programme.

Instead, he called for responsible parenting and planning family size.

“Tumesema tutalipa mama apate mtoto, lakini si kazi yako ati kila siku kila siku, unajua hawa wanaume wenzangu, mimi naambia wanaume wenzangu msisumbue kina mama, ati unaambia mama ‘si unajua ile mahali ni free wacha sisi tuendele’ wacha mama apumzike kuwa na mpango,” Ruto said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The president stressed that while the government has expanded maternal healthcare, men must support women by allowing them adequate rest after childbirth.

He highlighted the transition from Linda Mama to Linda Jamii, assuring mothers of comprehensive care from pregnancy through delivery.

“Ile tulikuwa tunaita Linda Mama, sasa ni Linda Jamii, mama bora.

“Tu usikie boll imeingia. Kwanzia hapo, serikali ya Kenya itakulipia uende pale kwa clinic mbaka upate mtoto, na mtoto akipatikana tutahakikisha ya kwamba tunashugulikia mtoto na mama na mzee,” he added.

Ruto explained that funding for maternity services has tripled, raising the allocation from Ksh 4,000 to ensure clean facilities, skilled doctors, and essential medicines.

 “Tumeweka pesa ya kutosha… na tusipoteze wamama na watoto wetu,” he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.