“Even if you don’t build us roads, we’ll stand with you,” Duale tells Ruto
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has pledged continued support for President William Ruto from the North Eastern region
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has pledged continued support for President William Ruto from the North Eastern region, saying the administration has restored dignity to residents through equal access to government services.
Speaking at a youth empowerment event at Garissa High School, Duale said the region would stand with the president despite concerns over infrastructure development.
“Sisi tutasimama na wewe (Ruto) hata kama hujajenga barabara, hata kama hujatupatia chochote,” Duale said.
This loosely translates to, “We will stand with Ruto even if he hasn’t built roads or given us anything.”
“He has given us our dignity, making us equal to other Kenyans.”
President Ruto attended the event, where he oversaw the disbursement of NYOTA funds aimed at supporting youth initiatives.
Duale said the government had addressed long-standing challenges affecting residents, particularly access to official documents.
“You have brought back our dignity by giving us government documents,” Duale said, crediting the president with ending practices that had previously disadvantaged people from the region.
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The remarks come amid ongoing debate over development in North-Eastern Kenya.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently criticised leaders from the region, accusing some of mismanaging devolution funds and failing to deliver visible progress.
Gachagua cited shortages in key public services, including roads, hospitals and schools, and questioned the impact of county allocations since the introduction of devolution in 2013.
He also questioned the impact of devolution funding, arguing that despite significant allocations to counties since 2013, some areas continue to face development challenges.
Duale, however, defended the government’s record, saying inclusion and equal treatment were significant achievements for the region.
Duale also challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a televised debate over development in the North Eastern region.
“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.
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.
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