A tense confrontation between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi nearly turned physical on Tuesday during a National Assembly Health Committee session on the embattled Social Health Authority (SHA).
The drama unfolded as MPs grilled the CS over alleged massive fraud within the newly established SHA, which oversees three critical health funds the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, and the Essential Health Services Fund worth over Sh20 billion.
Tempers flared when a visibly angered Kibagendi confronted Duale, declaring, “Duale, mimi huwezi nitisha — I fear no one.” Duale shot back, accusing the MP of being part of a network sabotaging health sector reforms. “You are extortionists; we have closed your hospitals, and if possible, we will charge you in a court of law,” he said.
Kibagendi, denying any wrongdoing, retorted, “You can charge me, I don’t own a hospital. You think you can intimidate us, we don’t fear you.”
The exchange threatened to derail the sitting until committee chairperson Dr James Nyikal intervened to restore order. When Duale demanded Kibagendi’s ejection, Nyikal firmly overruled him. “It’s not in your place to determine how this meeting is run,” he said.
Nyikal reminded the CS that the committee’s goal was not to trade accusations but to ensure the Social Health Authority functions effectively. “We don’t come here to win public or press debates,” he said. “Let us focus on the real issues that will make SHA work for Kenyans.”
He further noted that Parliament had already approved Sh13 billion for the Primary Healthcare Fund and Sh8 billion for the Emergency and Chronic Illness Fund, emphasizing that accountability and transparency should guide their implementation.
Duale maintained that the ministry was determined to root out fraud, with several facilities already shut down following investigations into fake claims and ghost patients.
