Health CS Aden Duale has escalated the political confrontation between President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta. Duale accused Uhuru of envying the Kenya Kwanza administration's achievements, claiming the central problem Uhuru had with Ruto was that the current administration was implementing programmes the former President had failed to deliver during his two terms in office. He made these remarks in Tharaka Nithi county while presiding over the closing ceremony of the annual Ura Gate Cultural Festival.
Duale cited healthcare, affordable housing, agriculture, and education as areas where Ruto's administration had made progress. He pointed to the Social Health Authority, saying 33 million Kenyans had registered under the programme. Duale also mentioned the government's affordable housing programme, which had expanded beyond housing to include the construction of markets and hotels, with over Sh650 billion invested in these projects.
The CS further cited subsidised fertiliser as another example of the current administration's interventions, saying the cost had fallen from Sh7,000 to Sh2,000. He also credited Ruto with implementing reforms in the education sector. Duale extended his criticism to the economy, claiming Ruto had inherited an economy that was "collapsing" but had since restored stability.
Duale accused Uhuru of being motivated by envy over Ruto's performance. He claimed that Uhuru had failed to implement certain programmes during his tenure but Ruto's administration was now succeeding in these areas. The renewed confrontation has reopened memories of the dramatic breakdown of the relationship between Ruto and Uhuru after years of political partnership.
Ruto had recently criticised Uhuru, accusing him of undermining his administration and engaging in political mobilisation against the government. In Homa Bay on September 17, Ruto told Uhuru to respect the office of former President and allow the current administration to run the country. Uhuru had backed Raila Odinga's presidential bid in the 2022 election, while Ruto went on to win the presidency.
Duale's remarks came a day after Uhuru appeared to respond indirectly to Ruto's accusations that he was sponsoring opposition activities. Uhuru attended the burial of Christine Waruguru Kariuki, mother of former State House Deputy Comptroller George Kariuki, in Gikuu, Kiharu constituency, Murang'a county. Uhuru made a sarcastic reference to the "sponsor" label that has featured in Ruto's recent attacks.
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. Duale also predicted that the political forces associated with Ruto would remain dominant in subsequent elections, saying they would again defeat Uhuru's allies in 2032.
Key points
- Duale accused Uhuru of envying Ruto's achievements in healthcare, affordable housing, agriculture, and education.
- Ruto's administration has implemented programmes that Uhuru's government failed to deliver during his two terms in office.
- The confrontation between Ruto and Uhuru has reopened memories of their dramatic breakdown in 2022.
