Health CS Aden Duale speaking at the ceremony. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has dismissed the opposition's ability to stage successful anti-government protests, arguing that the era of impactful maandamano ended with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking at a Nairobi hotel on Saturday during a ceremony celebrating Dr Osman Mohamed Osman's attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Duale said the opposition no longer has the political influence to mobilise mass demonstrations, insisting the "maandamano brand" belonged to Raila.
The event honoured Dr Osman, the husband of Nominated MP Ummulkheir Harun, and brought together political leaders, senior government officials, professionals and members of the academic community.
Taking a swipe at the opposition over Thursday's demonstrations marking the anniversary of the deadly 2024 Gen Z anti-government protests, Duale claimed the protests failed to attract significant public support.
"They could not even raise enough people to participate in the maandamano. They do not understand that the maandamano brand belonged to one man. The brand of maandamano belonged to the late Raila Odinga. May he rest in peace," Duale said.
He further claimed the demonstrators failed to sustain the protests, saying they dispersed shortly after setting off.
"They had to return to their vehicles after barely a five-minute walk. They could not even reach the Nyayo House roundabout," he said.
The Health CS maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration's broad-based government remains firmly intact, describing it as the political path agreed upon by President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga.
According to Duale, the current administration is focused on maintaining national unity and political stability rather than engaging in divisive politics.
"We are in the broad-based government to stay. That is where the late Raila Odinga and President William Ruto left us. We are not into the politics of division, tribalism, hatred or shoring people up along ethnic lines. We have absolutely no time for such politics. We want a peaceful and stable country," he said.
Projecting confidence ahead of the 2027 General Election, Duale said the ruling coalition would comfortably retain power despite growing criticism from the opposition.
"Ask me; I have been around. We shall show them dust come 2027. They will be shocked," he declared.
His remarks came days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua explained why he stayed away from Thursday's demonstrations.
Gachagua said he deliberately kept off the protests out of respect for the youth-led movement's independence. He added that he had received intelligence reports alleging there were plans to infiltrate the demonstrations and trigger violence.
According to the former deputy president, he advised his supporters to remain at home to avoid deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
The ceremony was attended by several leaders, including Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow; Ijara MP Abdi Ali; Dadaab MP Farah Maalim; Nominated MP Irene Mayaka; Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamed; Kenya Red Crescent Society Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris, National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Chairperson Ahmed Abas, Senior Counsel Abdikadir Mohamed, former Mbalambala MP Abdikadir Omar, as well as other leaders from the community and academia.
Dr Osman Mohamed Osman speaking at his ceremony. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Health CS Aden Duale at a Nairobi hotel during a ceremony
celebrating Dr. Osman Mohamed Osman's completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Guests who attended the ceremony. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
ODM Nominated MP Ummulkheir Harun at the ceremony./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
