Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a fresh attack on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of envying the current administration's achievements. Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Ura Gate Cultural Festival in Tharaka Nithi County, Duale claimed Uhuru was unhappy because the Ruto administration was implementing programmes that he was unable to do during his ten years in office.
Duale cited healthcare, affordable housing, agriculture, and education as areas in which he said the Kenya Kwanza administration had made progress. He pointed to the Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming that 33 million Kenyans had registered under the programme. Duale also mentioned the affordable housing programme, saying it had expanded to include markets and hotels, with over KSh650 billion invested in these projects.
The CS further cited subsidised fertiliser, saying its price had fallen from Sh7,000 to Sh2,000. He also credited Ruto with reforms in the education sector, arguing that the current administration had addressed issues that had not been resolved under Uhuru. Duale defended the government's economic record, claiming Ruto inherited an economy that was "collapsing" but had since restored stability.
Duale's remarks came days after Ruto renewed his public criticism of his predecessor during his development tour of Nyanza. In Homa Bay on September 17, Ruto accused Uhuru of opposing his administration and urged him to respect the office of former president. The latest exchange revives the political rivalry between the two leaders, who were allies for years.
Ruto served as Uhuru's deputy from 2013 to 2022, with the two winning the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections. Their relationship later deteriorated, with Uhuru backing Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential election while Ruto successfully sought the presidency. Duale used his Tharaka Nithi address to issue a direct political challenge to Uhuru and his allies.
Duale issued a direct challenge to Uhuru, saying "We defeated you in 2022, we are going to defeat you in 2027." He also predicted a continuation of Ruto's political influence and named Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as his preferred successor in 2032. Uhuru had recently responded indirectly to accusations that he was sponsoring opposition activities.
The Ura Gate Festival brought together communities and visitors to celebrate traditional music, dance, storytelling, local arts, crafts, and other aspects of Tharaka Nithi's cultural heritage. The event provided a platform for Duale to address the nation and assert the government's achievements.
Key points
- Duale accuses Uhuru of envying current administration's achievements
- Ruto and Uhuru's political rivalry resurfaces
- Duale issues direct challenge to Uhuru ahead of 2027 elections
