The political landscape has shifted from policy debate to open warfare. Over the last 48 hours, ending today, Monday, March 30, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Health CS Aden Duale have traded explosive allegations that threaten to undermine public confidence in the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking during a “United Opposition” tour in the Ukambani region alongside Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, Gachagua claimed that the SHA is not a healthcare reform, but a “grand scheme” for state capture.
1. The Ksh 104 Billion “Vested Interest” Claim
Gachagua’s most sensational allegation involves the Ksh 104 billion Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHITS) contract.
The Allegation: Gachagua claimed that CS Aden Duale holds a 17% stake in a firm within the consortium implementing the system.
The “Six Month” Clock: The DCP leader predicted the system would “totally collapse” within six months, alleging that funds are being siphoned while hospitals go unpaid.
e-Citizen Red Flag: Gachagua further alleged that Ksh 6.3 billion has been “irregularly withdrawn” via the e-Citizen platform, though these claims remain unverified.
2. Duale’s Counter-Strike: “Produce the Evidence”
CS Aden Duale issued a blistering rebuttal on Monday morning, dismissing the claims as “baseless political malice” from a man who has “lost his way.”
The Challenge: “I am a man of integrity. I still wait for him to go to the Business Registration Bureau and get my wealth declaration,” Duale fired back. He challenged Gachagua to produce a CR12 document proving any link between him and the contracted firms.
The “Cartel” Warning: In a dramatic twist, Duale accused individuals associated with Gachagua’s former office of being the “real cartels” who destroyed the defunct NHIF. He vowed to publicly name these individuals in the coming days.
3. The Reality of the Debt
While the politicians clash, healthcare providers are sounding the alarm. Faith-based organizations (FBOs), which provide nearly 40% of Kenya’s healthcare, are demanding the urgent release of over Ksh 10 billion in arrears.
Gachagua’s Stance: He urged hospitals to demand their dues immediately and “stop rendering services” if the billions aren’t paid.
Duale’s Defense: The CS insists that Ksh 121 billion has already been paid out to facilities since SHA’s inception 19 months ago, representing a 78% claim-processing success rate.
4. The “State Capture” Narrative
The row follows a similar warning from Senior Counsel Paul Muite, who recently described the SHA as “the ultimate tool for state capture.” Gachagua has adopted this language, framing the transition from NHIF to SHA as a hostile takeover of the public’s health contributions.
The Bottom Line
With 30 million Kenyans now registered under the SHA, the stakes could not be higher. If Gachagua’s “collapse” prediction holds true, the government faces a humanitarian crisis. If Duale’s “cartel” exposé is realized, it could permanently damage the political comeback of the former Deputy President.
