Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has taken a swipe at former President Uhuru Kenyatta, calling his recent remarks at a funeral “inappropriate” and expressing confidence that President William Ruto’s camp will have an easier political fight in 2027.
Speaking at the launch of a mosque in Eldoret on Saturday, Duale referred to Uhuru’s comments at the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, where the former president said he would respond in kind if provoked.
“I heard him recently saying if anyone pokes him in the eye, he would also do the same, and I don't think that should be the kind of language from a former president,” Duale said.
Duale, a key Ruto ally, accused Uhuru of having obstructed government operations during his tenure.
“I worked in that government, and I know how Uhuru frustrated President Ruto,” he stated. The CS added that the next political contest will be less challenging for Ruto’s team.
“If we defeated him when he had all the government machinery, this time we will deal with him very easily and very early,” he said.
He also defended President Ruto’s inclusive approach to governance, noting that some criticism stems from jealousy over development efforts.
“Some people in the country hate the President because he works for the good of all Kenyans, including those who did not vote for him,” Duale said, citing road projects in both Nyanza and Central regions.
Duale’s remarks highlight the growing tension between President Ruto and his predecessor, signaling that political rivalry ahead of the 2027 elections is intensifying.