Uproar as CS Duale clashes with reporter over SHA claims
Even before she could finish, Lidigu was cut short by Duale. “Stop it there. We are not in possession of that letter. The person who wrote it has not told us he has given it to you. What we want to ask is that, if he has written officially, let him go to the CEO’s office. We do not conduct our internal communication in a press conference.”
There was uproar among journalists on Friday as they decried what they termed intimidation from the Ministry of Health, calling it uncalled for, after Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale publicly criticised the Nation Media Group during a press briefing.
During the briefing, Nation Media reporter Leon Lidigu sought clarification on a matter, stating: “My name is Leon Lidigu from the Daily Nation. I’m in possession of a letter sent specifically to Dr Mercy Mwangangi on August 7 from Dr Kanyenje Gakombe, Chairman of the Kenya Health Care.”
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Even before she could finish, Lidigu was cut short by Duale. “Stop it there. We are not in possession of that letter. The person who wrote it has not told us he has given it to you. What we want to ask is that, if he has written officially, let him go to the CEO’s office. We do not conduct our internal communication in a press conference.”
Lidigu pressed further, seeking clarification on the contents of the letter, which alleged that the SHA had not paid claims to a facility for nine months: “Would you kindly respond to that, because Kenyans are interested in understanding?”
Duale replied: “That facility, if they have not been paid, should go and engage SHA. They will be given the right answer. If they are involved in fraud or under investigation, they will be told. It is not for them to address us through Nation Media.”
“We have seen you bringing patients into your media house. Please turn Nation Media into a health centre. We will register you, give you an SHA portal, and deal with your claims as Nation Media.”
As Duale delivered his criticism of the media outlet, senior Ministry of Health officials present were seen and heard giggling, a reaction that has drawn further condemnation for what some have described as a blatant disregard for press freedom and professional decorum.
The microphone was later pulled away from the journalist, sparking uproar.
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