Duale dares ex-DP Gachagua to TV debate over North Eastern development

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a televised debate over development in the North Eastern region.

Duale issued the challenge while speaking at a youth empowerment event held at Garissa High School. The event was presided over by President William Ruto, who oversaw the disbursement of NYOTA funds.

Addressing the gathering, Duale criticised Gachagua’s recent remarks on development in the region and called for a public discussion.

“I am challenging Gachagua to a debate on development in the North Eastern region. President Ruto, leave him to me. I will deal with him,” Duale said.

The cabinet secretary proposed that the debate be held on Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange Live programme.

The challenge comes amid an ongoing dispute between the two leaders. Duale and Gachagua were previously allies in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) before Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024.

The disagreement follows Gachagua’s recent criticism of leaders from the North Eastern region.

Gachagua accused some leaders of misusing devolution funds and neglecting development in their counties.

In his remarks, Gachagua cited shortages in key public services, including hospitals, clean water, classrooms, teachers, and medical personnel.

He also questioned the impact of devolution funding, arguing that despite significant allocations to counties since 2013, some areas continue to face development challenges.

However, President Ruto appeared to distance the government from the proposal, saying his administration would not be drawn into political confrontations.

Speaking at the same event, Ruto cautioned Duale against escalating the exchange.

“I want to tell my friend Aden Duale, those who know English normally say, ‘Don’t argue with a fool; people will not know the difference,’” Ruto said, drawing applause and laughter from the crowd.

“Let us not waste our time. We have an agenda for this nation and a programme.”

In remarks made in January during a press conference in Nyeri, Gachagua questioned the region’s investment in public institutions despite what he described as significant allocations under devolution.

Gachagua said leaders from the region “should not lecture us about affirmative action,” arguing that more than a decade after devolution began, continued calls for preferential treatment required reflection.

“Devolution has been in place since 2013, and leaders from those regions have not developed institutions at the same pace, yet they want their children to benefit from facilities established by other counties,” he said.

“They have the opportunity to develop institutions of the highest standards possible in Kenya, not just for the children of those areas, but for the children of Kenya.”

He added that some counties in Western, Rift Valley and the Mt Kenya region had established strong institutions using comparatively smaller resources.

Gachagua has yet to publicly respond to Duale’s debate challenge.