Don't belittle our people, CS Duale tells Gachagua

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for remarks suggesting that President William Ruto met with al-Shabaab militants during his recent tour of Kenya’s northeastern region.

Speaking after presiding over the conclusion of a three-day medical camp in Balambala subcounty, Garissa, Duale said President Ruto has done more for the region than previous leaders and that pastoral communities would support him.

He also accused Gachagua and his opposition team of promoting tribalism and belittling other communities.

“The days of entitlement are over. The days when one community is seen as more important than others are gone after the new constitution. We have governors, ministers, and county assemblies managing our resources,” Duale said.

“We want to tell you from Balambala: do not insult the Somalis and the Muslim community. Just because President Ruto spent nights in Mandera and Wajir counties, where no other president has, does not make us terrorists,” he added.

Gachagua, during a recent trip to the United States, alleged that President Ruto was “giving IDs to non-Kenyans” following the easing of identification requirements for border communities.

He also claimed that Ruto met with senior al-Shabaab militants in Mandera—remarks that have been widely condemned by government officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

Murkomen said Gachagua should record a statement with security agencies over his claims linking top leaders to al-Shabaab.

Speaking in Keiyo South Constituency during an Economic Empowerment Engagement for small-scale traders and boda boda SACCOs, Murkomen described Gachagua’s allegations as “insensitive” and “damaging” to the country’s image.

“When you (DP Kindiki) were Minister for Interior, you carried yourself with utmost respect for this country and its people,” Murkomen said.

“I saw another leader recently disparaging our country, speaking about insecurity in a way that treats it lightly. Using terrorism for political mileage abroad is unacceptable.”

Murkomen insisted that evidence must be provided once Gachagua returns to the country.

“Because he claims to have information on meetings with al-Shabaab, he must record a statement upon landing in Kenya to clarify his claims,” Murkomen said.

The CS warned that reckless statements by political leaders could compromise national security, stressing that Kenya’s fight against terrorism should not be politicized.

On the other hand, Kindiki also called on security agencies to follow up on claims made by Gachagua abroad.

“If anyone has information that could aid in fighting al-Shabaab, they must provide it to the relevant agencies for investigation,” Kindiki said.

He added that Kenya has suffered greatly from terrorism and that security issues should not be politicized or treated lightly.