Aden Duale’s appointment as the new Health CS has continued to face stiff opposition. Prior to his appointment , Duale served in Defense docket and was later moved to Environment ministry just a few months ago.

After his appointment to the health ministry, Kenyans took to social media to express their disbelief. They couldn’t wrap their head around the fact that President William Ruto settled for him to handle such a responsibility.

Here is why Kenyans, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union among other relevant parties are objecting his appointment;

He is not a medical expert

Duale is not medical expert. He studied education in university and pursued a Masters in Business Administration.

KMPDU is afraid that a repeat of what was witnessed during Susan Nakhumicha’s tenure is bound to happen as Duale takes over the Health ministry, although Nakhumicha had a backround in health matters. KMPDU secretary General Davji Atellah says that Duale doesn’t understand how the country’s health sector operates unlike Debora Barasa, who is his predecessor.

“When we had Deborah, it was the first time an issued strike notice failed to materialize because she understands the role of doctors and what needs to be done,” Atellah said on social media.

Nelson Havi is also in support of KMPDU saying there are more qualified persons for the position.

“KMPDU is right in protesting the appointment of Aden Duale as Health CS. Why should we have him in charge of professional assignments when Kenya has many qualified professionals in those fields? It is high time we said no to this subterfuge in all 22 ministries,” he said.

There is fear that he will politicize the docket

Duale is a loyal ally of the president and might work in favor of his political interests.

KMPDU has however warned himagainst politicizing the docket like Nakhumicha, and instead  focus on how the Social Health Authority will work for everybody. According to the union, SHA is only working for political leaders, ministers and those in government.

The union added that Duale needs to understand and learn issues affecting medical practitioners in the country. These issues include interns welfare and CBA that have been triggering strikes.

“We don’t participate in politics, we only participate in withholding our skills and therefore no amount of politics can solve the issues,” Atellah said.

Despite the concerns, Duale has already swung into action on his new role. Last weekend, he stormed SHA offices and vowed to deal with cartels that are sabotaging government’s efforts in a Universal Health Coverage.