A routine parliamentary session turned into a heated shouting match on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi clashed during a National Assembly Health Committee meeting.
What began as a formal discussion quickly escalated into a fiery confrontation that forced the session to a standstill as both leaders hurled accusations across the table.
The altercation began when Duale accused the legislator of being linked to two health facilities recently shut down over fraud allegations.
The CS claimed the hospitals were under investigation for irregular medical claims within the Social Health Authority.
“I have closed your hospitals,” Duale shouted, igniting uproar in the committee room.
Kibagendi hit back furiously, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated and accusing Duale of hiding behind his close friendship with President William Ruto while shielding corrupt allies.
“I have no hospitals, and I have never owned even a dispensary. That is the strategy you use to hide. You need to answer questions. We are not your children; you cannot come and lecture us. Who are you? Just because you are the President’s friend, you and your friends are stealing from SHA,” Kibagendi fired back, his voice rising as other committee members tried to intervene.
The tense exchange brought proceedings to a halt as the two leaders shouted over each other. Duale insisted that the ministry would continue to shut down health facilities implicated in fraud and pursue legal action against those involved.
“We have closed your hospitals, and if possible, we will charge you in a court of law,” he declared.
“Where, I do not own a hospital, you and your friends are stealing from SHA. Kenyans need to know, answer the questions,” Kibagendi said, refusing to back down.
As tempers flared, Duale escalated the matter further, arguing that Kibagendi should not serve in the Health Committee if he was linked to private hospitals.
“We will write to the Speaker that you cannot own a health facility and still be in the health committee; you cannot be in this committee because of a conflict of interest,” Duale stated.
Kibagendi, visibly angered, dismissed the threat, saying Duale had no moral authority to question his integrity when the ministry itself was facing corruption allegations.
