Senator Edwin Sifuna Calls for Impeachment of Health CS Aden Duale Over SHA Financial Misconduct

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called for the impeachment of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over alleged financial misconduct within the Social Health Authority (SHA).

At a public event in Funyula, Busia County on 31 August, Sifuna urged Members of Parliament to begin the formal impeachment process against Duale, accusing the Health Ministry of overseeing significant irregularities in the SHA. The authority, a government body responsible for health financing, was established just over a year ago. 

According to Sifuna, billions of shillings meant for public healthcare have been misappropriated, causing harm especially to women awaiting delayed medical claim reimbursements. Though the Senate does not have the constitutional power to remove a Cabinet Secretary, Sifuna called on the National Assembly to take action. He said that the required 88 signatures to table an impeachment motion were already secured. 

Sifuna criticised the contrast between ordinary Kenyans struggling to afford healthcare and individuals allegedly exploiting the system for inflated payouts. Public concern over the SHA scandal has grown, driven by social media and pressure from civil society groups. On 25 August, the Ministry of Health acknowledged the presence of fraud in the sector. 

Duale defended his record by noting that globally, fraudulent claims account for up to 15 per cent of healthcare spending. The Association of Kenya Insurers estimates that in Kenya, nearly one-third of medical payouts involve fraudulent activity. Since taking office on 1 April 2025, Duale has implemented a digital overhaul of the claims process, including the use of artificial intelligence to identify irregularities.

The Ministry has suspended around 40 hospitals from the SHA programme and is reviewing Ksh3 billion in claims lacking proper documentation. However, critics argue that these actions are reactive and fail to address deeper problems and potential conflicts of interest within the SHA’s leadership. 

Legislators from Kenya Moja, including MPs Obadia Barongo, Clive Gisairo, Tonny Kibagendi, and Wilber Oundo, have joined Sifuna in demanding Duale’s resignation. They have also called for the removal of SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohammed and CEO Mercy Mwangangi, citing alleged involvement in favouring certain healthcare providers through questionable disbursement practices.

The constitution provides that a quarter of National Assembly members may propose a motion to remove a Cabinet Secretary under Article 152(6). After the motion is tabled, it must be debated within seven days. While politically sensitive, current developments suggest Duale’s position is increasingly vulnerable.