Hunitishi Duale unaibia watu! MP Kibagendi – Duale Exchange Erupts
A fiery Kibagendi-Duale exchange erupted during a National Assembly Health Committee meeting Tuesday, turning a routine scrutiny of the Social Health Authority (SHA) into a shouting match that nearly boiled over, with Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi accusing Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of rampant corruption and intimidation tactics.
The clash, captured on viral video clips that have racked up thousands of views on social media, highlighted simmering tensions over SHA’s rollout, as Kibagendi defiantly roared, “Who are you? Duale, huwezi nitisha, mnaibia watu… Duale na wenzako wacheni kuibia watu,” translating to a bold rejection of threats and a direct call-out on alleged fund pilfering.
The drama unfolded mid-session at Parliament Buildings, where the committee grilled Duale on SHA’s operational glitches, including delayed reimbursements to hospitals and widespread fraud allegations that have plagued the universal health coverage dream since its July launch.
Tensions peaked when Duale fired back at Kibagendi, linking the MP to two Kisii County health facilities shuttered last month over suspected SHA scam claims involving fake claims worth millions.
“You’re bitter because your hospitals were closed for fraud; don’t lecture me on integrity,” Duale snapped, his voice rising as committee chair Sabina Chege Wanjiku banged her gavel in vain.
Kibagendi, undeterred, shot up from his seat, jabbing a finger and retorting that Duale’s ministry was the real thief, syphoning public funds under the guise of reforms while patients languish without care.
The outburst wasn’t isolated; Kibagendi has been a vocal Duale critic since September, demanding the CS’s resignation over SHA’s rocky start that left over 200 facilities unpaid and sparked nationwide protests from medics.
Duale, a no-nonsense former Garissa MP turned cabinet heavyweight, countered by dismissing the barbs as “personal vendettas,” insisting SHA’s teething issues stem from inherited NHIF rot rather than ministerial malfeasance.
One viral post quipped, “Duale’s got that Somali steel, but Kibagendi’s bringing the drama. Parliament’s better than Taifa Leo!”
This Kibagendi-Duale exchange shows the high stakes in Ruto’s health overhaul, a flagship of his broad-based coalition that’s already cost Sh100 billion in setup yet delivered spotty coverage to 20 million Kenyans.
