A scheduled appearance in the Senate by Health CS Aden Duale on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, was temporarily derailed as Senator Murang’a Joe Nyutu and his Nandi colleague Samson Cherargei exchanged words on the floor of the house.

In a heated debate on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the two United Democratic Alliance (UDA) senators branded each other names during a session meant to grill the Health CS Aden Duale.

The controversy started after Cherargei, while commenting on Duale’s submission, praised the Health CS over his role in the success of the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme.

First-time senator

The senator went on to implore the CS to equally work to convince the fierce critics of the health care programme, whom he referred to as naysayers, such as the Murang’a Senator.

While rising on a point of order, Nyutu responded to the slighting remarks by urging the speaker to call Cherargei to order and prevail on him to stop acting as a sycophant.

Sycophant and adherent

On his part, Cherargei doubled down by referring to Nyutu as a first-time senator.

“Is it in order for the distinguished senator, a Wamunyoro adherent, to accuse me of being a sycophant when I am doing my legislative work?” he posed.

“I am a man who has protected my name and reputation, and I cannot allow a first-time senator to come and insult me. Can he withdraw those remarks or substantiate them?” he added.

It took the speaker Amason Kingi’s intervention to call the two to order and redirect the proceedings from the detour.

“I will not allow absurdities.  Once you step on the floor, just ask your questions. Senator for Nandi, you will proceed to withdraw that assertion, with the Muranga senator also withdrawing after calling you a sycophant,” he stated.

In an enforced compliance, the senators proceeded to withdraw their respective sentiments.

The word ‘adherent’ means you support a certain idea or party, so it is good that the senator has gone on record that he does not support him,” Cherargei said while withdrawing.

“Mr Speaker, I will follow the cue and say a sycophant is somebody who says things to please somebody elsewhere,” he stated.