Kibagendi explains what led to a near-fistfight confrontation with Duale

Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament Anthony Kibagendi has detailed what transpired during the heated parliamentary session that nearly turned into a fistfight between him and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, December 1, 2025, Kibagendi said the confrontation escalated after what he termed as persistent disrespect from the CS, who he claimed walked into the meeting already agitated and dismissive of the committee’s authority.

You might also like

Lifestyle

Food labels may have far-reaching effects on our health

Lifestyle

Why using a pillow during sleep may not always be healthy

Lifestyle

How to take care of your mental health when everyone depends on you

“He came in angry and started by telling our chair that he cannot be summoned every time because he has other work to do,” he said

Tense committee session

The MP explained that the Health CS had been invited to appear before the committee to respond to several matters requiring both national and county-level clarification. He said earlier attempts to get Duale to appear were unsuccessful.

According to Kibagendi, when Duale finally walked into the room, he immediately dismissed the committee’s mandate, telling the chairperson and Member of Parliament, Seme James Nyikal, that he could not be summoned repeatedly because he had “other important work to do.” The comment, he said, sparked instant tension.

Kibagendi noted that key members were present, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, chair of the Council of Governors Caucus, alongside the secretariat. The day’s agenda involved recommendations, some directed to counties, others to the national government.

Objected to being questioned

He said Duale objected to being questioned about county-related issues and openly challenged the committee’s jurisdiction. When the chair attempted to calm the situation, the CS dismissed him, asserting that he had served as majority leader for 10 years.

“He told the chair he has been Majority Leader for ten years,” Kibagendi recounted

Vice Chair Patrick Munene intervened and warned Duale against disrespecting the chair. This irritated the CS further, who reportedly told Munene not to address him that way and mocked him for being a second-term MP. At that moment, several MPs stood up in protest.

Kibagendi said he stepped in after witnessing what he believed was blatant disrespect. He reminded the CS that MPs represent the entire nation under committee functions, not just their constituencies.

“I told him we are not his children, and when I sit there, I represent the nation, not just Kitutu Chache South,” he said.

He added that Duale then accused him of being bitter because his alleged hospital had been shut down, an accusation Kibagendi dismissed as baseless, clarifying that he does not own a hospital or even a chemist.