Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has described the recent confrontation between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi as a notable reflection of leadership challenges in Kenya.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Wamae said the incident provides Kenyan voters with an opportunity to assess the kind of leaders they elect.

“What transpired between CS Duale and MP Kibagendi is, in a way, a good thing for Kenyans to witness, so they can clearly see the kind of leaders they elect and the consequences of the choices we make,” she said.

Wamae suggested that financial disagreements may have influenced the tension between CS Aden Duale and MP Anthony Kibagendi. She noted that the Health Committee could have requested payments from Duale, which he reportedly declined due to his senior position.

According to Wamae, this refusal may have contributed to the animosity and acrimony witnessed during the committee session, reflecting deeper challenges in interactions between leadership and parliamentary oversight bodies.

“I have a feeling that the Health Committee may have asked Duale for money, and he refused, given his senior position. The animosity, bitterness, and acrimony might have stemmed from the fact that he didn’t give them anything,” she said.

Committee clash

The clash occurred on October 14, 2025, during a session of the National Assembly’s Health Committee, which was reviewing the Social Health Authority (SHA). The session briefly halted after Duale accused Kibagendi of owning health facilities that had been shut down due to irregularities. Kibagendi countered by questioning Duale’s moral authority and alleging that the CS’s associates were involved in the misappropriation of SHA funds.

The exchange drew attention to governance challenges within the health sector, which recent audits indicate include delayed reimbursements affecting 70 percent of health facilities.

Implications

Wamae also highlighted patterns in Kenyan electoral behaviour, noting that voters often prioritize immediate benefits over policy or governance credentials.

She emphasised the importance of public awareness and accountability, indicating that such incidents serve as reminders of the impact of electoral decisions.

Meanwhile, the Senate has pledged to monitor SHA operations to ensure timely remittances to counties, and Kibagendi has challenged Duale to substantiate his claims regarding irregularities.