Comedian and content creator DJ Shiti delivered an emotional tribute at his father’s burial on 9 October 2026, leaving mourners visibly moved. Footage of the speech has since spread widely across social media, drawing reactions from Kenyans online.
Richard Ndede Mbanda, DJ Shiti’s father, died after a nearly six-year battle with prostate cancer. During that time the family made repeated hospital visits seeking treatment and relief.
DJ Shiti questions SHA’s role
Speaking beside his father’s casket at an open-air funeral gathering, the comedian made little effort to hide his frustration.
DJ Shiti described the ordeal as draining and painful. His father moved repeatedly between hospitals, he said, and the family never received the standard of care they had hoped for.
He also spoke of a pattern he claimed to have seen first-hand. According to him, patients taken to public hospitals are placed on machines, after which medical staff ask their families to raise money for treatment.
A troubling trend in public hospitals, the comedian said, is one he had witnessed first-hand. Patients are admitted and put on machines, he claimed, after which medical staff ask their families to raise money for treatment.
“Kwanini mtu wakipelekwa, baadaye madaktari wanaambia mtu wachangie mtu wao?” he asked, visibly emotional.
Turning his attention to the Social Health Authority (SHA), he questioned whether the agency was delivering on its promises.
“SHA inafanya kweli ama ni mchezo?” he said, his voice cracking.
Still, he took time to acknowledge staff at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Mourners joined him in applauding the medical team, which he said had remained consistent throughout his father’s long treatment.
Bluntly, he said, the only part of public hospitals that still works is the mortuary.
“Ukipeleka mtu kwa public hospital saa hizi ni kama unapeleka aende afe,” he declared.
He acknowledged that Kenyans with private insurance, or the money for private hospitals, stand a much better chance of getting care.
Kenyans react
The video struck a chord with many Kenyans online, who said it mirrored what they had gone through themselves.
@kennyshwan said: “Shah works untill it's one of your close relatives ndio utajua shah haifanyi.”
@Kevoh Di Shadow: “Health Sector should make cancer treatment free in government hospitals,” the user wrote.
@kafangimr :“Sad 🥺 but hii ndio tone yeye hukua nayo kwa comedy,” the user said.
Not everyone agreed. @MuokNyabinda argued that responsibility lies elsewhere. “But it is the doctors who diagnose and treat. SHA only pays! How is SHA connected to one being sick or contracting a disease?” the user asked.
