Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a sharp attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing a 1997 dismissal letter that reportedly terminated Gachagua’s services as a District Officer over alleged misconduct and mismanagement of relief food in Laikipia.
The letter, dated July 30, 1997, from the Office of the President, indicates that Mr Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua, then serving as District Officer I in Laikipia, was summarily dismissed.
It references alleged gross misconduct, desertion of duty, and reported mismanagement of relief food meant for residents of the district.
“As the saying goes, old habits die hard,” Duale said in a strongly worded statement.
“Anyone who once served as a Government Officer, entrusted with the solemn duty of delivering services to the people, yet chose to misappropriate resources meant for citizens at their most vulnerable moment out of sheer greed, forfeited the moral standing to lecture others on public service.”
Duale described the alleged actions as a “betrayal of trust,” arguing that individuals accused of misusing public resources should not be entrusted with leadership again.
“That was the greatest betrayal of trust. A person who violates that trust should not be allowed anywhere near anything that belongs to the people again; including power,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened political exchanges between the Kenya Kwanza administration and Gachagua, who has recently criticized government policies.
Gachagua has previously addressed past allegations against him, maintaining that he has been targeted politically.
He had not immediately responded to Duale’s latest remarks by the time of publication.
The renewed debate adds another layer to the growing rift within Kenya’s political landscape, as leaders trade accusations over integrity and public accountability.