MPs threaten impeachment of Health CS Duale over failing sector

The MPs accuse Duale of presiding over a collapsing health sector, arguing that Kenyans continue to suffer amid the government’s efforts to streamline the country’s health system. At the center of the controversy are mounting claims of fraud within the Social Health Authority (SHA), including payments to ghost facilities and fictitious claims.

Despite mounting pressure, the embattled CS has vowed to stay in office. In response, Kenya Moja MPs, positioning themselves as the “third force” in Parliament, say they have already begun collecting signatures to initiate impeachment proceedings.

“We have the signatures ready. When Parliament resumes, a motion will be tabled. Duale must take political responsibility for the theft of taxpayers’ money at SHA,” declared Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Other lawmakers echoed the calls, warning that the health crisis was directly endangering lives. “As you play your political games, 156 children are being born every hour – and many risk dying due to the crumbling health system,” said Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi was even more blunt: “Since the President has failed to act, we will. You have stolen everything else, but leave Kenyans with their right to health.”

Duale has defended his actions, insisting the decision to suspend payments was necessary to combat widespread fraud. He has in turn accused some MPs of being complicit in schemes to siphon funds from the authority.

The backlash, however, has deepened political fault lines. Legislators allied to the government have rallied behind Duale, urging him to stay put and continue the clean-up.

“Anyone sabotaging projects that benefit ordinary citizens does not deserve to walk freely among them. We all know the rot that was happening at NHIF, where small clinics were earning more than major hospitals,” said Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot during a rally in Makueni.