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Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge has criticised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale's behaviour during a heated parliamentary committee meeting, branding him an "intimidator-in-chief" following a chaotic confrontation with Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi.
Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge has publicly condemned the conduct of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during a tumultuous session of the National Assembly's Health Committee on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The session, intended to address critical health matters, devolved into a shouting match between CS Duale and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi.
In a statement, Muge accused Duale of exhibiting the very intimidation tactics he attributed to other committee members. "Duale is the intimidator-in-chief. He keeps claiming to be intimidated as a defence strategy," Muge stated, expressing regret over the altercation's negative portrayal of the committee but emphasising the need to expose the CS's "condescending attitude."
The confrontation unfolded as the Health Committee was scrutinising the operations of the Social Health Authority (SHA), a key government initiative. Tensions escalated when MP Kibagendi accused CS Duale of attempting to intimidate the committee, stating, "You cannot intimidate this committee. We are not your children for you to dictate how we run our business."
In response, Duale accused Kibagendi of a conflict of interest, alleging that his ministry had closed health facilities linked to the MP due to irregularities. Kibagendi vehemently denied these claims, challenging Duale to provide evidence and accusing the CS and his ministry of corruption and defrauding the SHA.
Parliamentary committees in Kenya are established under Article 124 of the Constitution and operate under Standing Orders to ensure the orderly conduct of proceedings. Members of Parliament are expected to uphold dignity and integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest and demeaning their office, as outlined in Chapter 6 of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. The Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, also governs the conduct of members within the precincts of Parliament.
During the chaotic session, Committee Chair James Nyikal intervened multiple times to restore order, eventually ordering MP Kibagendi's removal by sergeants-at-arms after he refused to yield. Muge questioned the chair's decision to eject only Kibagendi while Duale remained, highlighting concerns about impartiality.
Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, a member of the Health Committee, expressed her dismay at the public spectacle. "I've been in parliament for a while, but I've never seen such a situation," she remarked, apologising for the image portrayed but urging media to highlight the CS's behaviour.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, following his ejection, took to social media to reiterate his denial of owning any hospitals and accused Duale of using false allegations to evade accountability on SHA issues. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi also criticised Duale's conduct, reminding him of the decorum expected of a Cabinet Secretary.
The public altercation between a Cabinet Secretary and Members of Parliament raises concerns about decorum and effective governance. Such confrontations can undermine public trust in parliamentary processes and the integrity of institutions tasked with oversight. The accusations of fraud and conflict of interest, particularly concerning the Social Health Authority, could impact the successful implementation and public confidence in universal health coverage.
The specific details and evidence regarding the alleged ownership of health facilities by MP Kibagendi remain unverified. Kibagendi has consistently denied these claims, challenging CS Duale to provide proof. Similarly, the full extent of the alleged fraud within the Social Health Authority and the specific roles of individuals involved are subjects of ongoing contention.
The chaotic session occurred on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. CS Duale has reportedly threatened to petition the Speaker of the National Assembly for Kibagendi's removal from the committee. The committee's findings on the state of health facilities under SHA, which highlighted systemic challenges, are awaiting a comprehensive written response from CS Duale within seven days.
Observers will be keenly watching for any formal action taken by the Speaker regarding CS Duale's threat to seek MP Kibagendi's removal from the Health Committee. The unfolding developments surrounding the Social Health Authority, particularly concerning fraud allegations and the transparency of its operations, will also remain a critical area of public interest. Further, the media's continued coverage of the CS's behaviour in parliamentary settings will be important.
Previous reports have highlighted ongoing concerns about the implementation and management of the Social Health Authority, with various stakeholders raising questions about its effectiveness and financial integrity.
