Shouting match mars health committee meeting as Duale, MP Kibagendi lock horns

Tensions flared after several MPs accused CS Duale of attempting to intimidate members who sought to ask tough questions regarding the ministry’s operations.

“You will not intimidate this committee. We are not your children for you to come and give us lectures,” charged MP Kibagendi, drawing murmurs from other members present.

In response, Duale accused the legislator of having a conflict of interest, alleging that the ministry had previously shut down some hospitals linked to him.

“You are conflicted. You should not even be sitting in this committee. We have closed some of your hospitals and will close even more,” Duale retorted.

Kibagendi, however, dismissed the CS’s claims, insisting he does not own any hospital in the country and accusing Duale of engaging in “political theatrics” instead of addressing serious policy issues.

The confrontation quickly drew in Committee Chairperson James Nyikal, whom Kibagendi accused of failing to maintain order and showing bias towards the CS.

“You are not running this committee. You are allowing Duale to direct you. You are living on borrowed values, Mr. Chairman,” Kibagendi shouted.

Cynthia Muge, Nandi Woman Representative, also questioned the chair's impartiality, asking why only Kibagendi was reprimanded while the CS was allowed to remain.

“The shouting has been between the two. Why are you kicking out Kibagendi and leaving the CS seated here?” she posed.

Following the dramatic exchanges, order in the meeting broke down, forcing several members to walk out.

Proceedings eventually continued with only three committee members remaining.