Kenya Moja bloc issues 48-hour ultimatum to Health CS Duale over SHA fraud scandal

Nairobi, Aug 27, 2025 — A faction of legislators under the Kenya Moja movement has demanded the immediate resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, accusing him of presiding over fraud at the Social Health Authority (SHA). The MPs gave Duale 48 hours to quit or face impeachment proceedings.

The ultimatum

• Frontline voices: Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, flanked by MPs Obadia Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Tony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), and Wilber Oundo (Funyula), told reporters Duale and senior state-house officials orchestrated a multibillion-shilling scam at SHA.

• Leadership under fire: The bloc also demanded the removal of SHA chair Abdi Mohammed and CEO Mercy Mwangangi, citing conflicts of interest and impunity.

• Quote: “If in the next 48 to 72 hours Honourable Duale does not resign, we are looking at impeachment as one of the possible avenues,” MP Kibagendi declared.

Duale’s counter-narrative

The ultimatum came less than 24 hours after Duale himself revealed a KSh10.6 billion fraud scheme at SHA. At his press conference, the CS detailed:

• Fabricated patient records.

• Phantom billing.

• Rogue facilities colluding to siphon funds.

He vowed reforms and pledged not to be cowed by “organised resistance from vested interests.” Duale framed the crackdown as part of restoring credibility to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.

A clash of narratives

• Kenya Moja’s charge: The ministry is covering up wrongdoing while protecting powerful figures.

• Duale’s stance: He is unearthing corruption and encountering pushback from those exposed.

  The contradiction places him simultaneously as whistleblower and accused, deepening public confusion over who benefits from the fraud.

Political stakes

The SHA sits at the centre of Kenya’s flagship UHC roll-out. With billions at play and public trust already strained by scandals in the health sector, the fallout has broad implications:

• Governance: Impeachment threats sharpen the executive–legislature rift.

• Service delivery: Prolonged standoff risks delaying reforms and expansion of healthcare coverage.

• Public confidence: Citizens weigh competing claims — reformist minister vs compromised ministry.

What to watch next

• Expiry of the 48-hour ultimatum and whether an impeachment motion is filed in the National Assembly.

• Parliamentary debate on SHA oversight and audit reports.

• Duale’s survival strategy, including whether he doubles down on investigations or seeks political compromise.

• Impact on UHC roll-out, as donors and citizens demand proof of accountability.