Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has broken his silence after facing increasing calls to step down, saying he is fully prepared to face any authority or oversight body regarding his leadership at the Ministry of Health.
This statement comes after a section of political leaders gave him a 48-hour ultimatum to resign. The leaders, mainly members of a rising political faction known as Kenya Moja, have linked him to an alleged fraud scandal involving billions of shillings at the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Duale Defends His Integrity
In his response, Duale expressed confidence in his long public service career, insisting that his record was clean and open to scrutiny.
“My career in public service spans over two decades, much of it spent in Parliament where I served in different leadership positions. My record on integrity and asset declaration is well-documented in the Hansard, especially during my vetting process,” Duale said.
He further stated that he was ready to present himself before any parliamentary committee or state oversight institution to account for every property and asset he owns. “I am ready and willing to appear before any committee or relevant authority to give a full account of my wealth and leadership,” he emphasized.
Accusations of Fraud at SHA
Lawmakers from the Kenya Moja faction had accused Duale and SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohammed of being responsible for fraudulent dealings within the Authority. Reports of irregular disbursements — including suspicious payments to non-existent or “ghost” health facilities — have fueled the scandal.
Duale, however, dismissed the claims, insisting that he has no ties to any hospital, clinic, or company doing business with the Ministry of Health. He challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence.
“I challenge anyone to bring forward a CR12 document from the Registrar of Companies proving that I own or am a director in any health-related company. There is none,” he declared.
The CS instead called for a thorough investigation into the matter, urging that anyone found guilty — regardless of their position — should face prosecution and be forced to refund the money.
He also noted that some of his former colleagues, who own health facilities flagged in the system, should not interfere with the investigations.
On Prepayment Allegations
Duale also clarified concerns about prepayments made under the SHA system, saying critics had misrepresented the issue. According to him, the system was designed to promote accountability, compliance, and accuracy, and it should not be misinterpreted as fraudulent.
Clash Over NHIF Arrears
The Cabinet Secretary also criticized Members of Parliament for politicizing the settlement of pending National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) arrears.
“I ask a simple question — are some legislators speaking on this matter as genuine representatives of the people or as facility owners with unpaid bills? The Ministry of Health is no longer a playground for corruption. It is a battleground for reforms and the delivery of quality healthcare to all Kenyans,” Duale stated firmly.
Commitment to Health Reforms
Despite the mounting pressure and accusations, Duale reaffirmed his commitment to steering Kenya toward Universal Health Care. He said the ministry would continue with its reforms to strengthen the health sector, even if it meant facing criticism or resistance.
“The reforms in the Ministry are unstoppable. Our goal remains to deliver quality healthcare services to every Kenyan, and we will not allow corruption or political interference to derail this agenda,” he said.
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