Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s recent behavior at a press conference has sparked outrage.
His actions, particularly his harsh treatment of an NTV journalist, have painted him as a leader who is not only out of touch but also dangerously dismissive of accountability.
When faced with tough questions about the Social Health Authority (SHA) and its failures, Duale didn’t just dodge the issue he lashed out in a way that was both unprofessional and disrespectful.
Ordering his security to harass a journalist for simply doing their job is not just an attack on the media, it’s an attack on every Kenyan’s right to know the truth.
This kind of behavior is unacceptable from someone in his position, and it’s time to call it what it is, arrogance and rudeness that have no place in leadership.
The incident happened when Nation Media Group (NMG) reporter Leon Lidigu pressed Duale on serious issues with the SHA, including delayed payments to private hospitals. One case involved a 10-month-old baby whose family was left stranded because SHA failed to cover medical bills for heart surgery in India.
Instead of addressing these concerns with clarity or empathy, Duale snapped. He interrupted Lidigu, dismissed the evidence a letter from the Kenya Healthcare Federation and mocked the journalist by suggesting that NTV should turn into a health facility.
His sarcastic remark about registering Nation Media with an SHA portal was not only childish but also a clear attempt to belittle the media’s role in holding him accountable.
Worse, he reportedly signaled his aide to grab the microphone from Lidigu, an act that screams intolerance for scrutiny.
Duale’s rudeness doesn’t stop with this one incident. Reports show a pattern of hostility toward journalists, especially those from NMG, who dare to expose the SHA’s shortcomings.
From dismissing cancer patients’ struggles to accusing reporters of spreading “falsehoods,” he has consistently chosen deflection over dialogue.
The SHA, meant to replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and deliver universal healthcare, has been plagued by problems like fraud, delayed payments, and system failures.
Instead of tackling these issues head-on, Duale seems more interested in silencing those who point them out. His “bulldozer” reputation, once praised for fighting NHIF fraud, is now backfiring as he alienates the very people journalists and citizens who demand transparency.
Kenyans deserve leaders who listen, not ones who lash out when questioned. The Kenya Editors’ Guild has rightly condemned Duale’s actions, calling for respect for journalists’ role in exposing systemic issues.
Social media is buzzing with criticism, with many predicting that Duale’s “televised downfall” is coming if he continues down this path. His behavior risks overshadowing any good work he’s done and paints a picture of a leader more concerned with ego than service.
At a time when Kenya’s healthcare system is struggling, Duale’s rudeness is a distraction the country can’t afford.
He needs to stop attacking journalists and start addressing the real issues delayed payments, fraud, and patients suffering because of SHA’s failures.
Leadership means taking responsibility, not throwing tantrums when the truth is uncomfortable. If Duale can’t handle tough questions without resorting to harassment, he’s biting off more than he can chew.
