Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi has launched a scathing attack on Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, accusing him of intimidation and employing diversionary tactics to evade accountability over the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a strongly worded statement, Kibagendi claimed that each time he raises questions about the management and integrity of the SHA, the Cabinet Secretary deflects by making unfounded allegations.
“Each time I ask CS Duale tough questions about the SHA, he quickly resorts to claiming that he has closed my hospitals — I don’t even know which ones,” said Kibagendi.
“Why can’t Duale publicly name the hospitals he alleges I own, state when they were registered, and identify my supposed proxies? Let him close them completely if they exist. Then, perhaps, he can finally respond to the real issues — the inadequacies and conflicts of interest surrounding the SHA.”
Kibagendi, a vocal critic of the implementation of the new health scheme, said Kenyans deserve transparency and accountability from the Ministry of Health rather than personal attacks and intimidation.
The Social Health Authority, established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the promise of delivering universal healthcare coverage.
However, its rollout has faced multiple challenges, including confusion over registration procedures, lack of public awareness, and delays in issuing new health cards.
Health professionals and civil society groups have also raised concerns over poor communication, limited infrastructure in rural areas, and conflicts of interest in the procurement and management of health facilities.
Some critics argue that the SHA risks repeating the same inefficiencies that plagued the NHIF unless issues of transparency and accountability are urgently addressed.
In response, Health CS Aden Duale has defended the government’s efforts, saying the ministry is committed to streamlining the health insurance system to ensure equitable access to care for all Kenyans.
Duale maintains that reforms under the SHA are aimed at strengthening service delivery and reducing financial barriers that prevent millions from accessing quality healthcare.
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