Heated Exchange in Parliament

A routine parliamentary session at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi devolved into a chaotic shouting match on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Members of the National Assembly Health Committee. The confrontation arose during discussions regarding the management of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and alleged corruption within the health docket.

Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge were at the centre of the verbal dispute with CS Duale. The session, intended to review the committee's findings on health facilities under SHA and allow the CS to respond, quickly escalated into personal accusations and insults.

Accusations of Conflict of Interest and Extortion

Tensions flared when CS Duale accused several MPs of having vested interests in the health sector they are tasked with overseeing. He claimed some committee members owned health facilities that were attempting to avoid scrutiny. "I will not allow you to extort and blackmail the minister," Duale declared, accusing unnamed committee members of using parliamentary oversight for "extortion and blackmail."

In response, MP Kibagendi vehemently denied owning any hospitals, challenging Duale to provide evidence and accusing the CS of arrogance and disrespecting Parliament. "We will not allow you to continue intimidating this committee. You will respect Parliament," Kibagendi retorted, further alleging that Duale and his associates were involved in corruption within SHA.

Social Health Authority Under Scrutiny

The dramatic scenes overshadowed the committee's report, which highlighted serious concerns about the newly established Social Health Authority. The report, based on visits to ten hospitals, cited systemic challenges including inconsistent reimbursements, unpaid claims, and discrepancies between the actual cost of care and SHA reimbursement rates. Faith-based and oncology hospitals were particularly affected by delayed and inadequate payments.

CS Duale dismissed the committee's report as "unfair and inaccurate," requesting seven days to provide a detailed written response. He also vowed to petition the Speaker of the National Assembly for MP Kibagendi's removal from the committee.

Historical Context and Policy Implications

Aden Duale was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Health on March 25, 2025, having previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Defence. His tenure in various high-profile government roles has been marked by a vocal and assertive approach.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a critical component of Kenya's healthcare reforms, aiming to provide universal health coverage. However, its implementation has been fraught with challenges, including allegations of fraud and mismanagement. In September 2025, CS Duale submitted 1,188 files to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detailing widespread billing irregularities, falsified invoices, and payments to non-existent health facilities. The DCI's probe has since expanded to include over 1,800 health facilities.

Evidence and Data

• Date of Confrontation: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
• Key Figures: Health CS Aden Duale, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal (Committee Chair)
• Allegations: Corruption, mismanagement, conflict of interest, extortion, and blackmail within the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Ministry of Health.
• SHA Investigation: As of October 10, 2025, over 1,800 health facilities are under investigation by the DCI for alleged fraudulent billing and other irregularities, following the submission of 1,188 case files by CS Duale in September 2025.

Risks and Implications

The ongoing controversies surrounding SHA and the Ministry of Health pose significant risks to public trust in the country's healthcare system and the government's universal health coverage agenda. Allegations of corruption and mismanagement could undermine the effectiveness of SHA and deter public participation. The heated exchanges in Parliament also highlight potential challenges in legislative oversight and accountability.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

It remains unclear whether the parliamentary committee will achieve a calm and productive session when it reconvenes. The specific evidence supporting CS Duale's claims of MPs owning hospitals and engaging in extortion has not been publicly detailed. Similarly, the full extent of the alleged fraud within SHA and the timeline for the DCI's investigations are yet to be determined. The outcome of CS Duale's proposed petition to the Speaker regarding MP Kibagendi's removal from the committee is also pending.

What to Watch

Observers will be keenly watching for the detailed written response from CS Duale to the Health Committee's report, expected within seven days. Further developments in the DCI's investigation into SHA fraud and any actions taken by the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the conduct of the involved MPs will also be critical. The ongoing efforts to streamline SHA operations and ensure transparent management will be crucial for the success of Kenya's universal health coverage.