Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has sparked debate after suggesting that some politicians in the country should be admitted to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya’s primary public mental health institution.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the outspoken lawmaker took a swipe at unnamed colleagues, accusing them of making statements that he described as troubling and irrational.
In remarks that drew laughter from some quarters of the House, Cherargei said he was concerned about the conduct and utterances of certain political figures, particularly over the weekend.
“I want to appreciate you, Mr Speaker. Some of the politicians in this country should be customers and clients of Mathari Mental Hospital because what they say over the weekend borders on mental disturbances,” he stated.
The senator went on to make a tongue-in-cheek proposal, suggesting that the facility should consider setting up a special wing to cater for high-profile individuals.
“We might even need a VIP section to handle such cases,” he added, in comments that were met with a mix of amusement and criticism.
His remarks have since ignited reactions across political and public spheres, with some observers terming the statements as humorous political banter, while others have criticised them as insensitive given the growing awareness around mental health issues in Kenya.
Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital has in recent years been at the centre of national conversations on mental health reforms, with stakeholders calling for increased funding, de-stigmatisation, and improved services across the country.
The incident underscores the often-heated rhetoric in Kenya’s political landscape, where sharp exchanges and provocative statements frequently dominate public discourse.
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