Duale shares cryptic message as resignation calls intensify

By , September 1, 2025

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has shared a cryptic message amid intensified calls from the political class pushing for his resignation over the recent Social Health Authority (SHA) fraud.

Taking to his official X account on Monday, September 1, 2025, the embattled CS shared a template written; ”Dirty water does not stop plants from growing, so do not let negative words stop your progress.” The mesaage read.

His communication appears to cement his earlier affirmation that he is not planning to resign from his post as the Ministry of Health boss, despite intensified calls for him to step down from critics.

Over the past week, the youthful Kenya Moja caucus of MPs issued a 48 to 72-hour ultimatum for Duale to resign, accusing him of presiding over a health sector in freefall. Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, speaking on behalf of the caucus, cited conflict-of-interest allegations tied to the SHA digital platform and warned that impeachment proceedings would follow if Duale failed to vacate office.

The legislators linked the CS to what they termed a multi-billion shilling fraud at SHA, pointing to alleged payouts to ghost facilities, fictitious claims, and irregular reimbursements that have left Kenyans struggling with delayed or denied health services.

The caucus also demanded the resignation of SHA Board Chair Dr. Mohamed Abdi and CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, accusing the top leadership of failing to provide proper oversight. President William Ruto, in his first direct response to the crisis, promised that anyone found guilty of looting SHA funds would face prosecution, reaffirming his administration’s stance on corruption.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said he would not bow to pressure from critics, whom he accused of trying to undermine the government’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage. PHOTO/@HonAdenDuale/X.com
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said he would not bow to pressure from critics, whom he accused of trying to undermine the government’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage. PHOTO/@HonAdenDuale/X.com

However, while celebrating the nikkah of Abdulqudus Adan Mohammed, son of former Mandera North MP Aden Mohammed Nooru, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in Nairobi, Duale reaffirmed his commitment to health sector reforms and the fight against corruption.

Ignoring the resignation calls, Aden Duale said; ”Integrity is vital to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) without leaving Kenyans behind.”

In a separate incident, Sunday, August 31, 2025, the embattled CS also said the digitisation of Kenya’s health systems has been a game changer, helping to unearth and stop fraudulent transactions that once crippled the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

”As we continue to implement the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda through the Social Health Authority (SHA), we will safeguard it from falling into the same pitfalls. Every health facility, whether public, private or faith-based, will be fully accountable, ensuring transparency, integrity and value for every shilling invested in the health of our people.” Duale shared on his X account.

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