A session of the National Assembly’s Health Committee was thrown into chaos on Tuesday after a heated altercation between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kitutu Chache MP Antony Kibagendi.
The confrontation, which nearly escalated into a physical fight, began when Kibagendi accused Duale of attempting to intimidate and micromanage the committee’s operations.
“You cannot intimidate this committee. We are not your children for you to dictate how we run our business,” Kibagendi said, sparking drama that temporarily disrupted the meeting.
In a sharp rebuttal, Duale fired back, accusing the MP of engaging in extortion.
“You cannot intimidate me with extortion. I have already closed your hospitals, and I will not reopen them,” Duale responded.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control as the two traded insults, with each accusing the other of corruption.
“You cannot threaten us just because you are a friend of the President. You cannot intimidate me, Duale,” Kibagendi declared.
As committee chair James Nyikal tried to restore order, Kibagendi turned on him, accusing him of being compromised.
“Mr. Chairman, this is not you. You’re operating on borrowed principles. You’ve allowed Duale to take over this meeting,” he said.
Nyikal denied the accusations, insisting he remained in control of the proceedings. However, Kibagendi refused to back down and continued his verbal sparring with Duale.
Eventually, Nyikal ordered the sergeants-at-arms to escort Kibagendi out of the meeting room. Even as he exited, the two leaders continued exchanging barbs, leaving committee members stunned.
Earlier in the session, Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge also clashed with Duale, criticizing him for attempting to dictate how the committee should conduct its business.
Duale had appeared before the committee to respond to issues raised in a report concerning challenges Kenyans face in accessing Social Health Authority (SHA) services. However, he refused to respond, accusing the committee of ambushing him with documents he had not previously seen.
“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.
