Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has vowed to prevent corruption and the misuse of public funds during the ongoing Ebola health crisis, warning that individuals seeking to profit from the outbreak will face tighter government controls.
Duale said the Ministry of Health had put measures in place to stop unscrupulous business people and public officials from exploiting the emergency for personal gain.
He cited the alleged corruption witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when individuals linked to the supply of medical equipment and other emergency services faced accusations of benefiting from public funds.
Speaking during the commissioning of a new maternity wing at Uruku Health Centre in Meru County, the CS recalled the controversy surrounding the so-called “COVID billionaires,” a term used to describe individuals accused of making huge profits from government contracts during the pandemic.
He said the government must learn from the failures of the COVID-19 response and ensure that public health emergencies do not become opportunities for corruption.
In a personal reflection, Duale revealed that he lost his mother to COVID-19, saying the experience had strengthened his resolve to protect Kenyans during health emergencies.
The Cabinet Secretary stressed that the government must put the needs of patients first and ensure that resources meant to protect lives are not diverted for private gain.
His remarks come as health authorities continue to strengthen preparedness and response measures against Ebola and other infectious disease threats.
The government faces pressure to ensure that public funds allocated to disease surveillance, medical supplies and emergency response are used transparently and efficiently.
Duale also turned to regional politics, defending Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and urging residents of the larger Meru region to respect his position in government.
He described Kindiki as an important political figure for the region and cautioned residents against abandoning the current political arrangement in pursuit of uncertain alternatives.
Using a local proverb, Duale warned that the community risked losing an existing advantage by chasing other political opportunities. He urged residents to remain united and recognise the benefits of having one of their own in the country's top leadership.
The CS further declared his support for President William Ruto's re-election bid in the 2027 General Election, backing the continuation of the Ruto-Kindiki partnership.
He argued that the current leadership arrangement could support economic growth, improve national security and advance the government's universal health coverage agenda.
