By: Edith Moraa
A routine health committee session turned into a political firestorm yesterday as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi clashed in a dramatic exchange that left Parliament stunned.
Tempers flared when Duale, under scrutiny over alleged corruption and private hospital registration conflicts, lashed out at Kibagendi, branding him an “extortionist” and “a thief.” The MP fired back with equal force, accusing Duale of dodging accountability and abusing his position.
“You are the cause of it. You are an extortionist,” Duale shouted, visibly enraged. Kibagendi retorted, “Duale, you cannot intimidate me. I fear no one. We are not your children.”
The explosive confrontation, caught on video and now viral online, disrupted the National Assembly Health Committee’s proceedings. Duale denied any wrongdoing, insisting he owns no hospitals and accusing unnamed MPs of weaponizing oversight for personal gain.
“This nonsense must stop,” he said. “Charge me if you wish — I have nothing to hide.”
Committee Chair James Nyikal stepped in to restore order, urging both sides to drop personal attacks and refocus on the session’s agenda. Despite the tension, the meeting resumed, but not before Duale vowed to petition the Speaker to remove Kibagendi from the committee.
“This gentleman should not be in this committee,” Duale declared, signaling that the political fallout from this clash is far from over.