Tensions flared in Parliament on Tuesday after Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale found himself at the centre of a heated confrontation with MPs during a session discussing the controversial closure of two health facilities allegedly linked to fraud under the Social Health Development Fund (SHDF).
The uproar began when Duale, while responding to questions from members of the committee, accused a legislator of being connected to the shuttered health facilities. His remarks immediately sparked outrage among MPs, leading to a dramatic exchange that brought the session to a standstill.
“I have closed your hospitals,” Duale shouted across the chamber, drawing murmurs and protest from the lawmakers present.
The MP in question, visibly angered by the accusation, fired back, saying, “I have no hospitals, and I have never owned even a dispensary.”
Undeterred, Duale maintained his stance, insisting that the facilities had been shut down due to fraudulent activities. “That is the strategy you use to hide. We will not allow corruption to thrive under the SHDF,” he asserted.
The confrontation escalated further when Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Kibagendi accused Duale of arrogance, saying, “You need to answer questions. We are not your children; you cannot come and lecture us. Who are you? Just because you are the President’s friend.”
Despite repeated calls for calm from the committee chairperson, the session descended into chaos as Duale and the MPs continued trading accusations.
Before the session concluded, Duale reaffirmed his commitment to fighting fraud in the health sector. “We have closed your hospitals, and if possible, we will charge you in a court of law,” he declared firmly.
The fiery confrontation has once again highlighted growing tensions between the Executive and Parliament over accountability and transparency in the management of public health funds.
