DUALE ACCUSES STANDARD OF ETHNIC BIAS AFTER ‘UNTOUCHABLES’ HEADLINE

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has accused The Standard newspaper of ethnic profiling after it featured him on its front page for the second time this week.

The paper ran the headline “The Untouchables” on Thursday, August 28, placing Duale alongside Social Health Authority (SHA) Chairperson Abdi Mohamed. The two have been linked to alleged irregularities in SHA payments.

The allegations involve ghost facilities and unexplained transactions. Political leaders and citizens have demanded accountability, with some calling for resignations.

Duale rejected the accusations, saying neither he nor the SHA chair had a role in the scandal. He instead criticized the newspaper, accusing it of bias and urging it to settle salary arrears owed to its employees.

“The Standard gutter press has now embarked on retrogressive ethnic profiling,” Duale said. “My advice is for the chair and shareholders to pay their staff salaries that are due for the last 12 months.”

The minister defended his record, pointing to reforms under Universal Health Coverage (UHC – Taifa Care). He said the government is committed to making healthcare accessible, affordable, and equitable.

Duale also responded to growing political pressure. Leaders aligned with the Kenya Moja movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, gave him 48 hours to resign. They claim to have evidence linking him to the fraud.

The CS dismissed the ultimatum. He highlighted his 20 years in public service, including senior parliamentary roles, and said his integrity record is on the public record.

“My record on integrity and declaration of assets is a matter of public record,” Duale stated. “I am ready to present myself before any parliamentary committee or oversight body to account for every asset I own.”

The SHA scandal continues to dominate headlines as calls for accountability intensify.