President William Ruto on Wednesday dismissed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s proposal for a public debate with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his administration will not be distracted by political confrontations.
Speaking to a crowd in Garissa, Ruto cautioned Duale against escalating the political exchanges and emphasized that the government remains focused on its development agenda.
“I want to tell my friend Aden Duale, those who know English normally say, ‘Don’t argue with a fool; people will not know the difference,’” Ruto said, drawing applause and laughter.
“Let us not waste our time. We have an agenda for this nation and a programme.”
Duale Challenges Gachagua to Televised Debate
Earlier, CS Duale had challenged Gachagua to a televised debate on development in the North Eastern region.
The challenge was issued during a youth empowerment event at Garissa High School, where President Ruto presided over the disbursement of NYOTA funds aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs.
While addressing the gathering, Duale criticized Gachagua’s remarks on regional development and called for a public platform to address the issue.
“I am challenging Gachagua to a debate on development in the North Eastern region. President Ruto, leave him to me. I will deal with him,” Duale said.
He proposed Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange Live as the preferred platform for the debate.
Focus on Historical Injustices
Despite the political undertones, President Ruto shifted attention to what he termed as long-standing marginalisation in North Eastern Kenya. He said his administration is working to correct historical injustices in the region.
“I have been here in Garissa and I told you that we are going to re-write the wrong history that was written about this region. We will correct the historical injustices, and we are already underway,” he said.
Ruto pointed to challenges faced by youth lacking national identification cards, which have prevented them from accessing government programmes like the NYOTA initiative.
He assured residents that the government is streamlining the issuance of IDs to unlock opportunities for young people.
Dismisses Al Shabaab Allegations
The President also rejected claims by Gachagua that he held secret meetings with al Shabaab during a previous visit to the region.
“Wakati nilikuja hapa, walisema nimekuja kukutana na al Shabaab… So I want to tell you the people of northern Kenya we are moving together,” Ruto said.
He accused critics of pushing divisive narratives and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrating northern Kenya into the country’s broader development strategy.
Madaraka Day to Be Held in North Eastern
In a landmark announcement, Ruto declared that this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will be held in North Eastern Kenya for the first time.
“For the first time tutaleta mambo ya Madaraka hapa northern Kenya… In the month of June, we will celebrate the National Independence Day,” he said.
The announcement was met with cheers from the Garissa audience, marking what could be a historic moment for the region’s recognition and inclusion in national events.
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Politics