Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a scathing attack on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of jealousy and undermining President William Ruto’s administration
Speaking after Eid al-Adha prayers at Sir Ali Muslim Club grounds in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 27, Duale urged the former head of state to step back from politics and allow the current leadership space to govern.
In remarks that are likely to deepen the rift between the Kenya Kwanza government and Kenyatta, Duale questioned why the former president continues to criticize Ruto despite having completed his own term in office.
“Wivu pia punguza, ukona wivu sana. Mzee Moi alifanya yake akaenda, Kenyatta baba yako akafanya akaenda, Mzee Kibaki, one of the progressive leaders in our country, alifanya yake akaenda. Wewe pia umefanya yako, mazuri mabaya, pia wewe nenda,” Duale said, referencing past presidents who left office without interfering in subsequent administrations.
The Cabinet Secretary went further, reminding Kenyatta of how he allegedly mistreated Ruto during their time together in government.
“Lakini huyu ndugu yako William Ruto ulimtesa akiwa makamu wako, sasa bado pia unataka kumtesa mpaka kaburini?” he posed, suggesting that Kenyatta tormented Ruto when he served as his deputy and continues to do so even after Ruto ascended to the presidency.
Accusations of Tribal Politics
Duale also accused the former president of promoting tribal politics while publicly calling for national unity. He questioned Kenyatta’s sincerity, pointing out that he addressed Jubilee Party supporters in his mother tongue.
“We want one nation, a place where Muslims, Christians, and people of all tribes live together. We do not want people who propagate tribal hatred. I was wondering, the former president is calling for unity and addressing his Jubilee Party supporters at the same time in his mother tongue,” Duale said.
The Health CS called for national unity and cautioned against divisive politics, emphasizing the need for Kenyans of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds to coexist peacefully.
Defending Ruto’s Track Record
In his Eid address, Duale mounted a robust defense of President Ruto’s administration, arguing that the current government has delivered more development compared to the previous regime.
He highlighted several flagship projects, including the Isiolo–Mandera corridor road construction and expanded healthcare coverage under the Universal Health Coverage program, as evidence of the administration’s progress.
