A stormy session of the National Assembly’s Health Committee turned chaotic on Tuesday after a fiery exchange between Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, exposing deep divisions within the political class over the controversial operations of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The quarrel erupted during a scheduled appearance by CS Duale, who had been summoned to respond to mounting concerns over alleged fraud and mismanagement at SHA an agency central to President William Ruto’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. But what began as a policy interrogation quickly spiraled into personal accusations, name-calling, and near-physical confrontation.
Tempers flared when Duale accused Kibagendi of having direct ties to two health facilities that had allegedly defrauded the SHA and were subsequently shut down. “I have closed your hospitals,” Duale declared in a blunt outburst that stunned the room. Kibagendi, visibly incensed, shot back: “I have no hospitals I’ve never even owned a dispensary.”
The MP went further, accusing the Cabinet Secretary of weaponizing the committee session to deflect scrutiny from a broader network of corruption within the SHA. “You and your friends are stealing from SHA. Stop intimidating members of this committee!” Kibagendi shouted, prompting efforts by Chairperson James Nyikal to restore order.
The situation heighten when Duale labeled the MP “an extortionist and a thief,” threatening to petition the Speaker to have Kibagendi removed from the Health Committee for alleged conflict of interest. “You cannot police corruption while benefiting from it,” Duale added.
Composed, Kibagendi stood his ground. “You will not intimidate me. We are not your children,” he declared, rising from his seat at one point and gesturing defiantly in Duale’s direction. Parliamentary orderlies were eventually forced to escort him from the room as tensions refused to ease.
The dramatic clash has sparked public debate over both the integrity of Kenya’s healthcare reforms and the conduct of public officials. Duale, a key ally of President Ruto, has taken an aggressive stance in defense of SHA’s operations, even as reports of delayed payments, irregular claims, and opaque reimbursements have triggered alarm from both lawmakers and the public.
On the other hand, Kibagendi, a vocal first-term legislator, has positioned himself as a watchdog on the committee, questioning whether oversight is being manipulated to settle political scores. In media interviews following the confrontation, he maintained he had no financial links to any health institution and called on investigative agencies to probe SHA’s dealings.
Leave a Reply