Kenya’s President William Ruto has issued a strong warning to those accused of stealing medical supplies from the State House of the Aged, saying they will face the full weight of the law. His remarks come at a time when pressure is mounting in Parliament as lawmakers demand the resignation of Speaker Aden Duale over the scandal that has gripped the country’s political and health sectors.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, July 9, 2025, President Ruto said government warehouses must not be treated as places for looting. He noted that the missing medical items were meant for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and the sick, who depend heavily on state-funded welfare and healthcare programs. Ruto stressed that corruption in sensitive sectors like health would not be tolerated, insisting that all those involved will be investigated, prosecuted, and punished under the law. Though he did not call out names directly, his words were widely understood to target individuals connected to the missing State House of the Aged supplies.
The scandal broke out after reports emerged that essential drugs, protective medical equipment, and other supplies had vanished from warehouses under the SHA program. Whistleblowers released evidence, including documents and pictures, which drew the attention of civil society groups. These groups have since raised alarm, calling for accountability and demanding that those behind the theft be exposed. The loss of such vital resources, they say, highlights the deep problem of corruption and mismanagement in Kenya’s healthcare system.
As the President gave his warning, a group of Members of Parliament also moved to demand that Speaker Aden Duale resigns or be removed from office. The lawmakers, who cut across party lines, accused Duale of failing to provide strong leadership in Parliament, saying his position had become compromised by what they described as weak oversight. According to them, the scandal reflects a breakdown of accountability in institutions meant to safeguard public resources. They added that Kenyans have lost confidence in the leadership of the National Assembly.
Duale, who is a seasoned politician with a long record in parliamentary leadership, has not yet issued an official response. But political observers note that he is under increasing pressure, both from the public and from his colleagues in Parliament. Analysts suggest that if lawmakers go ahead with a motion of no confidence against him, it could mark one of the most serious challenges to parliamentary leadership in recent years.
For President Ruto, the SHA scandal and the calls for Duale’s resignation are also a political test. His firm statements reflect his administration’s promise to tackle corruption and strengthen public trust in government institutions. However, critics argue that warnings alone are not enough. They say what Kenyans want is swift action, including arrests, prosecution of suspects, and recovery of the missing supplies. Without these steps, some observers warn, the President’s warning may be seen as rhetoric rather than action.
Political analysts also believe Ruto’s words serve as a reminder to lawmakers themselves. By warning that no one is above the law, he is signaling that accountability applies not only to officials in government ministries but also to Parliament and political leaders. This has increased public debate on whether Kenya’s institutions are strong enough to handle corruption cases without bias or political interference.
The controversy around Duale adds to the complexity. Parliament is currently engaged in debates over economic reforms, budget allocations, and social welfare programs. With the new push for the Speaker’s removal, the SHA scandal may dominate legislative discussions in the coming weeks. If MPs succeed in mounting a serious challenge, it would be one of the few times in Kenya’s recent history that the leadership of Parliament faces such direct pressure from within.
President Ruto ended his speech by urging patience and caution, saying investigations must be thorough and fair. He added that justice must be done openly and in line with due process, to reassure Kenyans that the government is committed to fighting corruption without targeting individuals unfairly.
The unfolding events leave many questions unanswered. Will the missing medical supplies be traced? Will the Speaker of Parliament Aden Duale step down or survive the political storm? And will President Ruto’s warning translate into concrete legal action against those responsible? For now, Kenyans are watching closely as law enforcement, Parliament, and the Presidency take their next steps in addressing one of the most sensitive scandals of the year.
