A fierce confrontation is taking shape in Parliament as Kenya Moja coalition MPs have issued a strict warning to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, demanding his resignation or threatening to pursue impeachment.
Lawmakers allege that Duale has overseen a failing health sector, leaving Kenyans to suffer while the government claims to be improving the system.
Central to the dispute are reports of fraud within the Social Health Authority (SHA), including payments to ghost facilities and false claims that have drained public funds.
Despite growing calls for him to step down, Duale has refused to resign, insisting he will remain in office. In response, Kenya Moja MPs, who see themselves as a “third force” in Parliament, have begun collecting signatures to trigger impeachment proceedings.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna stated, “We have the signatures ready. When Parliament resumes, a motion will be tabled. Duale must take political responsibility for the theft of taxpayers’ money at SHA.”
Other MPs have reinforced the urgency, highlighting the human cost of the deteriorating health system. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba warned, “As you play your political games, 156 children are being born every hour and many risk dying due to the crumbling health system.”
Some legislators have been even more direct. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi declared, “Since the President has failed to act, we will. You have stolen everything else, but leave Kenyans with their right to health.”
Duale, however, has defended his actions, saying the suspension of certain payments was necessary to fight widespread fraud. He has also accused some MPs of involvement in schemes to divert funds from SHA, turning the political battle into a fight over accountability and corruption.
The standoff has exposed deeper divisions in Parliament. Government-allied legislators have rallied behind Duale, arguing that he must continue his reform efforts. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot emphasized during a rally in Makueni, “Anyone sabotaging projects that benefit ordinary citizens does not deserve to walk freely among them. We all know the rot that was happening at NHIF, where small clinics were earning more than major hospitals.”
Other MPs have promised that no one involved in corrupt schemes will go unpunished. South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro noted that whether the corruption involves cartels in Parliament, governors’ offices, or the SHA itself, all responsible parties will face justice.
The clash over Aden Duale’s future highlights the fragile state of Kenya’s health system and the intense political battles shaping accountability in public service.
Lawmakers, the public, and the government are now at a critical juncture, with lives, public trust, and the integrity of the health sector hanging in the balance.
The coming weeks will determine whether the push for impeachment gains momentum or if Duale manages to retain his position while facing scrutiny over allegations of fraud and mismanagement.
The situation underscores that political maneuvering in Kenya is increasingly intertwined with the urgent need to protect citizens’ access to health care.
