President William Ruto has reassigned former Defense Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Bare Duale, E.G.H, to the scandal-ridden Ministry of Health — a docket infamous for corruption, endless doctors’ strikes, and procurement battles.
The announcement from State House which has caught many by surprise, marking what analysts describe as President Ruto’s boldest move yet in his attempt to fix the country’s ailing healthcare system. Duale, a seasoned political operator and Ruto’s trusted ally, now faces the daunting task of cleaning up one of the most controversial ministries in government.
“The Ministry of Health is a graveyard for many politicians. Duale’s entry signals serious intent from the President to confront cartels head-on,” a top government source told Channel 15 News.
Duale’s redeployment comes at a critical time, with Kenya’s healthcare sector under siege following a failed SHA medical insurance, persistent doctors’ strikes, allegations of mega scandals, and crumbling public hospitals. Political observers believe the move could either solidify Duale’s power or expose him to political ruin, given the ministry’s notorious history.
Alongside Duale’s transfer, President Ruto introduced new faces into his Cabinet. Ms. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo takes over at the Ministry of Gender, Culture, The Arts & Heritage, marking her first appearance on the national stage. Meanwhile, Hon. Geoffrey K. Kiringa Ruku has been appointed to the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development & Special Programmes — a docket seen as key in managing the country’s workforce and special interventions.
In a move signaling environmental concerns taking center stage, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, a climate change expert, has been handed the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry.
Political analysts describe the reshuffle as a tactical balancing act as Ruto recalibrates his team ahead of the 2027 elections. “Duale’s new assignment is both a reward and a political test. If he cleans the Health Ministry, he becomes untouchable; if not, it could be his Waterloo,” remarked analyst Mark Mutiso.
Sources close to State House hint that this is just the first phase, with more changes looming as the President tightens his grip on government and seeks to weed out non-performers.
