The exchange, which briefly halted the proceedings, stemmed from growing tensions over the management of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The storm began when Duale accused Kibagendi of being connected to two health facilities recently shut down by the Ministry over allegations of fraud.
“I have closed your hospitals,” Duale declared, sparking outrage from the legislator who quickly shot back, denying any ownership.
“I have no hospitals and have never even owned a dispensary,” Kibagendi retorted, accusing the CS of deflecting accountability.
Visibly agitated, the MP went further, challenging Duale’s tone and authority in the House.
“We are not your children. You cannot come here to lecture us. Who do you think you are—just because you are the President’s friend?” he said, prompting efforts by the committee chair, Seme MP James Nyikal, to restore order.
However, the confrontation intensified when Duale doubled down, warning that those found culpable would face legal consequences.
“We have closed your hospitals, and if possible, we will charge you in court,” he said, before turning his fury toward other committee members.
He accused several MPs of having vested interests in health institutions, insisting that they were unfit to serve on the committee.
Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge also clashed with Duale after the CS accused her of intimidation. “I have lived here for twenty years, and no one will bully me,” Duale asserted, standing his ground as tempers flared across the chamber.
Moments later, MP Kibagendi took to Facebook to respond, claiming that Duale was using baseless allegations to dodge scrutiny over alleged mismanagement within the SHA.
“Each time I ask hard questions about the Social Health Authority, he diverts by claiming he closed my hospitals—which do not exist,” Kibagendi wrote.
He challenged Duale to publicly produce evidence of ownership and registration details of the alleged facilities.
The dramatic session ended abruptly, with only three lawmakers remaining to proceed after the verbal showdown.
The fiery exchange underscored the deepening mistrust between Parliament and the Health Ministry, as concerns over transparency in the SHA continue to stir political tempers.