Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has fired back at Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who publicly questioned his academic qualifications and competence to lead the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, September 7, Duale dismissed the remarks as “personality politics,” urging the senator to stick to substantive issues.
“My academic papers are on record in Parliament and before the vetting committees of the National Assembly. Discuss substance, not personalities,” Duale stated, while emphasizing his focus on ongoing health reforms.
Khalwale, speaking during a funeral in Mumias West, had claimed SHA’s shortcomings were linked to Duale’s alleged lack of expertise. He further blamed the CS for the closure of St. Mary’s Hospital, citing delayed insurance reimbursements.
The heated exchange comes amid growing scrutiny of SHA, where government audits have exposed large-scale fraud. Over 728 non-compliant health facilities have already been closed, 301 downgraded, and 40 suspended, with more facing de-gazettement. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has also confirmed it is probing more than 1,000 cases of alleged healthcare fraud.
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