Rural Private Health Association (RUPHA) chairperson Brian Lishenga has accused Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of undermining Social Health Authority leadership by micromanaging the institution and sidelining its executives.

Speaking on a local media station on September 3, 2025, Lishenga stated that Duale has reduced the SHA CEO, Dr Mercy Mwangangi, to a mere accompanist in press conferences while failing to allow competent professionals to perform their duties.

According to the RUPHA chairperson, Duale is making statements that should be the preserve of the SHA board and its chief executive, questioning when the CS will allow professionals to work independently.

“The minister is everywhere. The minister is making statements that are supposed to be made by the board of SHA; he’s making statements that are supposed to be made by Mercy Mwangangi. Seriously, when will the cabinet secretary allow these competent professionals to work?” Lishenga asked.

Leadership concerns

According to Lishenga, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga has been reduced to a personal assistant role, while Mwangangi accompanies the CS to every press conference instead of focusing on her substantive duties.

“The PS, my good friend, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has been reduced to his PA. Mercy Mwangangi accompanies him on every single press conference,” he stated.

Staffing issues

Lishenga painted a picture of an understaffed SHA, describing it as a ghost house with no functional leadership structure.

He highlighted that SHA currently lacks directors and noted that recruitment processes are still ongoing despite the authority being operational.

“If you go to SHA, SHA is a ghost house. There are no people working in SHA. The only thing you see is Mercy Mwangangi accompanying CS Duale everywhere. When does she get to sit down to work?” he questioned.

“SHA doesn’t have directors. You know, we are now just recruiting, they shortlisted the other day, directors,” Lishenga added.