MP Mathenge Defends Duale, Blames KMPDC in SHA Scandal
Mathenge insisted that unless KMPDC proves how phantom facilities were integrated into the system, Health CS cannot be faulted.
The MP also questioned why the KMPDC master list of hospitals was removed from public scrutiny. He noted that Kenyans deserve openness on such a matter. "We are very suspicious. They had a national list with all hospitals and places. Photo/https://www.facebook.com/dunn.maina.10
By Juliet Jerotich
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge has come to the defence of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over the mistakes being made at the Social Health Authority (SHA) scandal regarding. Mathenge told a local TV station on Monday, September 1, 2025, that the blame cannot be put on Duale.
UDA MP demanded that the fault rested with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). He asserted the law is clear on how health institutions are qualified for SHA contracts. Once a facility has been licensed and registered by KMPDC, SHA’s only remaining duty is to sign a contract.
“Under the new legislation, once a hospital is licensed by KMPDC, it’s eligible for SHA contracts without further screening. The question remains: who is behind ghost hospitals and phantom patients if such facilities were licensed?” Mathenge posed.
The MP also questioned why the KMPDC master list of hospitals was removed from public scrutiny. He noted that Kenyans deserve openness on such a matter. “We are very suspicious. They had a national list with all hospitals and places. Why did they remove the list when Kenyans started asking, what are they hiding at KMPDC?” Mathenge added.
His remarks came amid mounting pressure on Duale. Critics demanded accountability after news ghost hospitals have been embezzling millions of shillings from SHA. Some lawmakers have faulted the Ministry of Health for lacking in supervision roles, while others now assert that there are inherent problems within regulatory authorities.
Mathenge insisted that unless KMPDC proves how phantom facilities were integrated into the system, Health CS cannot be faulted. He argued that it was unjust and incorrect to fault Duale.
The scandal has set flames of public outcry among Kenyans, with most calling for straight answers on how government money was directed into phantom facilities.
Duale guaranteed that SHA digitisation will expose the system to fraud. But Mathenge warned that until KMPDC takes responsibility, the health regulation’s integrity will be in doubt.
The scandal triggers deeper questions of responsibility within Kenya’s health sector. To most Kenyans, the SHA scandal is more than a culmination of a breakdown in control, it is also an event symbolic of a breakdown in trust in public institutions.
About Author
