Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale used Eid al-Adha celebrations on Wednesday, May 27 to issue a sharp political rebuke aimed at former President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging him to allow the current leadership space to govern while defending President William Ruto’s track record in office.
Speaking after Eid prayers at Sir Ali Muslim Club grounds in Nairobi, Duale called for national unity and cautioned against divisive politics, while also responding directly to recent criticism directed at the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In his remarks, he referenced past transitions of power and questioned continued political attacks on sitting leaders.
“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. Lakini huyu ndugu yako William Ruto ulimtesa akiwa makamu wako, sasa bado pia unataka kumtesa mpaka kaburini?” he posed.
Duale also accused the former president of promoting tribal politics, questioning his calls for national unity while addressing Jubilee Party supporters in 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,” he said.
Duale went on to highlight several projects undertaken under President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that the current government had delivered more development compared to the previous regime.
He cited major road construction projects, including the Isiolo–Mandera corridor, and expanded healthcare coverage as evidence of progress.
“While you were away the last four years, my good friend Uhuru Kenyatta, the 750-kilometre road from Isiolo to Mandera, which has never been built by any government, is now being built,” he said.
He noted that national health registration has grown significantly in recent years and pointed to improvements in access to primary healthcare and maternity services.
Duale also referenced what he described as uneven development in the previous administration, arguing that the current government had extended services to regions that were previously overlooked.
The Cabinet Secretary concluded by urging the former president to step back from active political confrontations and allow the current administration to govern.
“Mr President, you are a symbol of national unity. Go and rest. You are entitled to your opinion,” he said.
Duale’s remarks come days after former President Uhuru Kenyatta criticised President William Ruto’s administration during a Jubilee Party meeting in Kiambu, accusing the government of failing to address the high cost of living, increased taxes and rising fuel prices while engaging in divisive politics.
Uhuru also defended his right to continue speaking on national matters despite retiring from elective politics.
