GARISSA, Kenya — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a televised debate over development in the North Eastern region, escalating an ongoing political exchange between the two former allies.
Duale issued the challenge during a youth empowerment event at Garissa High School presided over by President William Ruto, who oversaw the disbursement of NYOTA funds.
“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 that the debate be hosted on Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange Live programme.
Roots of the Dispute
The challenge follows recent remarks by Gachagua criticising leaders from the North Eastern region over development and use of devolution funds.
In a January press conference in Nyeri, Gachagua questioned the region’s investment in public institutions despite what he described as substantial allocations since the advent of devolution in 2013.
“Devolution has been in place since 2013, and leaders from those regions have not developed institutions at the same pace, yet they want their children to benefit from facilities established by other counties,” Gachagua said.
“They have the opportunity to develop institutions of the highest standards possible in Kenya, not just for the children of those areas, but for the children of Kenya.”
He also cited shortages in hospitals, clean water, classrooms, teachers, and medical personnel, arguing that continued calls for affirmative action required reflection.
Duale criticised the remarks and framed the debate as necessary to address what he termed misconceptions about development in the region.
President Ruto Weighs In
President Ruto appeared to distance the government from the political confrontation. Speaking at the same event, he cautioned Duale against escalating the dispute.
“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.”
Political Context
Duale and Gachagua were previously allies within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) before Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024.
Their latest exchange reflects broader political realignments within the ruling coalition and the opposition landscape.
Under Article 174 of the Constitution, devolution aims to promote equitable development and bring services closer to the people. County governments receive allocations under Article 202, with oversight mechanisms anchored in the Public Finance Management Act and the Constitution.
Debates over the effectiveness of devolution funding remain central to Kenya’s governance discourse, particularly in historically marginalised regions such as North Eastern.
