Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi has defended himself against claims of assault and political targeting, linking his suspension to parliamentary disputes and management of Social Health Authority (SHA) funds.
He highlighted unresolved issues in nearly 26 hospitals, alleged mismanagement by senior officials, and stressed the importance of accountability in government programs while affirming his political stance and loyalty to his constituents.
Speaking on Thursday on a local media interview, he responded to allegations captured on camera in which he appeared to strike a person, Kibagendi clarified that the incident is still before the courts.
He described it as “a small altercation with a UDA activist,” adding that the individual had been insulting people online and that he had previously issued a warning.
The MP said agencies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were focusing on him over projects such as the Constituencies Development Fund (CDF), while, in his view, larger concerns over SHA funds were not being addressed.
He claimed that fraud and mismanagement in the SHA, which had affected multiple hospitals, were politicized, with leadership using these issues for personal or political advantage rather than implementing reforms.
Kibagendi noted that the Auditor General, EACC, and DCI had previously identified issues within SHA, but he maintained that recommendations to rectify the situation had not been fully implemented.
He described the suspension from the National Assembly as a consequence of speaking out on these matters, asserting that the legislature had effectively been “auctioned,” a claim he said was corroborated by fellow MPs.
He also criticized parliamentary leadership, saying that certain practices, including bringing traditional customs into legislative procedures, had interfered with institutional function.
The legislator expressed concerns over political activities within the National Assembly and alleged that some leaders, including the Speaker, were aligned with party politics rather than parliamentary duties.
Regarding SHA, Kibagendi highlighted systemic challenges in nearly 26 hospitals, emphasizing the need for reforms and oversight.
He accused senior officials of politicizing committee recommendations and undermining the intended improvements in the health sector.
He said his committee, which he is a member, had developed strategies to ensure that SHA functions efficiently, with the goal of improving healthcare delivery for Kenyans.
On political positioning, Kibagendi reaffirmed his support for the Linda Mwananchi initiative and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
He said he was elected on an ODM ticket but questioned criticism of his political alignment, noting that other politicians from the same party had supported different political initiatives.
Throughout his statements, the MP reaffirmed the importance of accountability, asserting that his primary concern is serving his constituents and the Kenyan public while maintaining that political targeting, suspension, or criticism would not deter him from advocating for institutional integrity and proper management of public resources.
The MP’s remarks highlight ongoing debates in Kenya about transparency, parliamentary accountability, and governance of key public institutions such as SHA.
They also reinforce the intersections between politics, public service management, and oversight responsibilities within the National Assembly.
Kibagendi concluded by emphasizing that the focus should remain on protecting public resources and improving service delivery, warning that political interference in government programs can undermine reforms and affect citizen welfare.
He stressed that elected officials have a duty to uphold public trust and implement policies effectively rather than prioritizing political gain.
