Chaos rock Parliament Health Committee session as Duale, MP Kibagendi clash

A session of the National Assembly’s Health Committee on Tuesday descended into chaos following a heated exchange between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi.

The confrontation, which briefly disrupted the committee’s proceedings, began after MP Kibagendi accused the Cabinet Secretary of attempting to intimidate and interfere with the committee’s work.

“You cannot intimidate this committee. We are not your children for you to dictate how we run our business,” Kibagendi said, prompting an angry response from Duale.

In a sharp rejoinder, Duale dismissed the allegations and accused the MP of making unfounded claims.

“You cannot intimidate me. I have already acted on issues concerning your hospitals, and I will not reopen them,” Duale retorted.

The situation escalated as the two leaders exchanged words, with each accusing the other of misconduct.

Committee Chair James Nyikal was forced to intervene several times to restore order.

At one point, Kibagendi turned his frustration toward the chairperson, alleging bias in the handling of the session.

“Mr Chairman, this is not you. You’ve allowed the Cabinet Secretary to take over this meeting,” Kibagendi said.

Dr Nyikal denied the allegation and maintained that he was in control of the proceedings.

When the MP refused to yield, the chair ordered the sergeants-at-arms to escort him out of the meeting room.

Even as he exited, Kibagendi and Duale continued exchanging words, leaving members visibly unsettled.

Earlier in the meeting, Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge had also confronted Duale, accusing him of attempting to dictate how the committee should conduct its business.

The Health Cabinet Secretary had appeared before the committee to respond to issues raised in a report on challenges faced by Kenyans in accessing services under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

However, Duale declined to respond to the committee’s questions, arguing that he had not been given sufficient time to review the documents presented.

“The rules of the House require that a person be given adequate time to respond. I need at least seven days to prepare,” Duale said.

The exchange took another twist when Kibagendi accused the Cabinet Secretary of conflict of interest and called for him to be declared a hostile witness.

Duale, in turn, said he would write to the Speaker of the National Assembly seeking Kibagendi’s removal from the committee, citing a potential conflict of interest.

He claimed that the MP had links to health facilities that were under investigation. Kibagendi denied the allegation, challenging the minister to provide evidence of such ownership.

The tense session was also attended by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who chairs the Council of Governors’ Health Committee.

The meeting took place at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.