Health CS Aden Duale has announced stringent measures to prevent corruption and profiteering during the ebola health crisis.
He said his ministry has instituted tight controls to ensure unscrupulous businesspeople do not exploit the ebola situation to defraud the government.
Duale spoke during the commissioning of a new maternity wing at Uruku health centre in Meru county.
He made direct reference to the “Covid billionaires”—cartels believed to have siphoned funds from public coffers during the pandemic.
In a rare personal reflection, the CS said his mother died of Covid-19, a loss he said fuels his determination to prevent business interests and rogue public servants from capitalising on public health emergencies.
He said profiting from lives at risk is unacceptable and oversight mechanisms have been strengthened to protect public funds.
Shifting to political matters, Duale defended Deputy President Kiithure Kindiki, who hails from the Meru region. He urged residents not to allow the DP to be disrespected.
Using a local proverb, Duale cautioned the community against what he termed a risky shift in allegiance.
He described the region as having a bird in hand and warned that opposition overtures could lead to losing that advantage in pursuit of uncertain gains—like chasing two birds in the bush.
“There is no decent human being and leader than Kindiki. I have worked closely with him since he was a senator and deputy speaker, and so I can confidently say I know him,” the CS said.
“We will stand with President William Ruto and Kindiki. But you people of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu, history will judge you if you allow your son to be looked down upon.”
Duale also drummed up support for Ruto, endorsing a continued Ruto-Kindiki ticket as vital for economic prosperity, security stability and progress towards universal health coverage.
He said the partnership offers policy consistency and a clear pathway for development, especially in health infrastructure and national safety.
Duale was in Uruku to open a modern maternity wing constructed in partnership with the Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation. The facility is expected to improve maternal and child health services in the region and reflects the government’s commitment to decentralising quality healthcare.
The event drew local leaders, health officials and community members, with many applauding the infrastructure boost amid ongoing national health challenges.
As the ebola response continues, all eyes will be on Duale’s promised anti-corruption framework—a test of accountability in a ministry historically vulnerable to graft during crises.
