Senator Murkomen Claims Gov’t Banned Russia’s Sputnik Vaccine to Stop Ruto from Getting Second Shot

Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has reacted to the government’s ban on the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.

Through Twitter on Saturday, Murkomen alleged that the embargo is meant to stop Deputy President William Ruto from getting his second shot.

“So the government banned Sputnik V vaccine so that the Deputy President of the same government does not get the second shot?” part of his tweet reads. 

On Friday, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced a ban on the importation, distribution, and administration of COVID-19 vaccines by private entities.

The ban came after concerns over the controversial importation of the Sputnik V vaccine by a private entity.

“The government is effective today closing the window of private sector importation, distribution, and administration of vaccines until such a time when it is confident that there is greater transparency and accountability in the entire process,” said Kagwe.

Deputy President Ruto, his wife Rachel, and lawyers Ahmednassir Abdullahi and Donald Kiprorir became the first persons to receive the jab.

A single shot of the Sputnik V vaccine, which has an efficacy rate of 92 percent, was going for Sh8,000.

“Any person advertising or vaccinating people for a fee will be in contravention of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board regulations governing emergency use authorization and the Public Health Act. As such they will be liable for prosecution. The only agent for vaccination in Kenya will remain the government of the Republic of Kenya until further notice,” added Kagwe.

The Health Ministry said Kenyans who had already received the first dose of the Russian vaccine will be allowed to get the second.