Duale Fires Back at Gachagua Over SHA Claims, Denies Links to IT Firm

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has strongly dismissed allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua linking him to irregular dealings in the Social Health Authority (SHA), terming the claims baseless and politically motivated.

In a sharp rebuttal, Duale challenged Gachagua to provide evidence backing claims that he holds a stake in a company allegedly contracted to provide digital infrastructure for SHA.

“I have lived a life of integrity and I challenge Rigathi Gachagua to point to any moment in my life when I have been accused of the very misconduct he now faces,” Duale said.

The dispute centres on claims by Gachagua that Duale owns a significant shareholding in Convergence Network Limited, a firm alleged to be part of a consortium involved in the SHA system. Duale categorically denied the allegations, insisting he has no direct or indirect ownership in the company.

“I repeat, prove it. Put the documents on the table. Enough of reckless allegations without evidence. Kenyans deserve facts, not fiction,” he said.

Duale further dismissed claims that the government had irregularly awarded a multi-billion-shilling contract to a consortium of IT firms to run SHA, saying the existing arrangement is a lawful, court-sanctioned infrastructure contract.

The Cabinet Secretary accused Gachagua of failing to substantiate his claims, including a promised dossier alleging massive financial impropriety in the health sector.

“I dared the former Deputy President to release the so-called dossier at 10 o’clock. He didn’t. Not at eleven, not at noon, not at one. By mid-afternoon, the story had already shifted,” Duale said.

He also challenged Gachagua to produce official records from the Business Registration Service, including a CR12 document, to verify claims about company ownership.

Beyond the corporate allegations, Duale suggested that the criticism of the SHA system stems from individuals who previously benefited from fraudulent schemes but have since been locked out by new systems designed to enhance transparency.

“What we are witnessing around SHA is not genuine concern, but political noise from individuals who previously benefited from fraudulent schemes,” he said.

Gachagua has also alleged that faith-based health facilities are owed up to Sh90 billion and questioned the cost of the SHA system, claims that Duale said remain unproven.

The escalating war of words highlights growing political tensions around the rollout of the Social Health Authority, a key pillar of the government’s healthcare reforms.

Duale maintained that his focus remains on strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring accountability in the system, urging that any allegations be subjected to scrutiny by relevant oversight bodies.

“I will not be distracted. My focus remains on ensuring that the people of Kenya receive dignified, affordable services under a transparent and accountable system,” he said.