I won’t be cowed as I clean the ministry, says Duale

Health CS Aden Duale has vowed not to be cowed in his latest bid to clean up the mess at the ministry.

“I’m cleaning the ministry, and what you are seeing is the dust. I will not drop the broom,” Duale said.

The CS made the remarks at the Kenya Forest Service when he presided over the opening of a mosque that was constructed by the World Assembly of Muslim Youth.

Present during the unveiling of the mosque included KFS Commandant Mohamed Mohamed, acting senior deputy chief conservator in charge of strategy, partnership and resource mobilisation Zipporah Toroitich and Acting senior deputy chief conservator of forests in charge of forest conservation and management Clement Ngoriareng.

Duale said the health of Kenyans will not be compromised, linking his woes to 1,300 hospitals closed so far.

“Those fighting me to resign are because I have closed 1,300 hospitals,” Duale said, adding that he cannot misuse money meant for the public.

The CS said he won’t be bothered by being in the headlines.

Duale said he stands for the truth at all times and that he won’t utilise money meant for the public.

He rallied Kenyans to help the current administration fight corruption.

On Wednesday, the CS defended the Social Health Authority (SHA) against claims made by some Members of Parliament.

He dismissed the MPs’ concerns over the legality, cost and transparency of SHA operations, describing them as misleading claims and factual inaccuracies.

The CS has been accusing them of peddling misinformation and seeking to derail reforms in the health sector.

“It is shocking and deeply concerning that Members of Parliament would question the very existence of an authority established by a law they themselves passed. SHA was created under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which was debated, passed and signed into law,” he said.

“The role of Parliament is to make law. The role of the Executive, which I lead in the health sector, is to implement those laws. The establishment and operationalisation of SHA is a direct implementation of the will of the people of Kenya, as expressed through their elected representatives in Parliament. To now disavow this process is to disavow their own legislative mandate.”

Duale has also defended the Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System, which links key health players, including SHA, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

He said the SHA ICT system is essential in managing contributions, claims and fraud detection.

Duale contrasted the new system with the defunct NHIF, which he described as an infamous haven for corruption, fraud and abuse.

Citing parliamentary reports, EACC findings and Auditor General reviews, he said NHIF had been the epicentre of fraud, plagued by weak security, outdated technology and opaque payment systems.

“To suggest we revert to that system is not merely misguided; it is a direct advocacy for a return to the looting of public funds. This is not a heist; it is a revolution in accountability,” he said.