I will defend Jubilee at all costs, Majority Leader Aden Duale says over spat with Ruto

Majority Leader Aden Duale says nothing will deter him from defending the interests of the Jubilee Alliance.

Duale, who was put in a spot, last week following controversial statements he made at a public rally in Narok against Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, says he is obliged to defend the Government at all costs.

His warning to Ruto that “Hii pesa sio ya mama yako bwana. Hii pesa si ya baba yako (Public funds don’t belong to your mother or father)” drew condemnation.

The Governor, who is championing the Pesa Mashinani drive whose collection of signatures was launched in Bomet yesterday, has threatened to sue Duale.

But in an interview with The Standard on Sunday at the weekend, Duale described himself as a political gorilla baptised by political fires. He maintained he would not apologise to Ruto.

“My duty is to defend Jubilee within the confines of the Constitution. I am under obligation to do so. I must also defend URP where I am the spokesman, and will do so with passion and dedication,” he said.

“Some say I need to apologise, why should I do that? Mine was not an allegation, it was the Auditor general’s report that mentions those governors including Isaac Ruto, I repeat they can run but they cannot hide, they will have to account,” said Duale.

At the Narok event, Duale had told Governors Ruto, William Kabogo (Kiambu), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) and Mwangi Wa Iria (Murang’a) that they must appear before the Senate to answer accountability questions.

According to the Majority leader, his statement of “Hii pesa sio ya mama yako bwana. Hii pesa si ya baba yako?” was just an analogy, not an insult.

“My position has put me in the same league with DP William Ruto and CORD leader Raila Odinga. Those who love me do that with passion and those who hate me do it with passion. It is a price you pay when you speak your mind,”said Duale.

Governors’ fury

Duale’s sentiments also angered TNA-allied governors who had earlier withdrew from the referendum calls.
Kabogo threatened to sue Duale. “I’m going to deal with Duale according to the Constitution. Why does he keep on mentioning my name? I have been to theSsenate and they keep on telling me to go there another day,” said Kabogo. He said that he even sent his deputy Gerald Githinji to the Senate but he was turned away, arguing if it was about answering budget queries, his deputy could have done it long ago. Kabogo told Duale to respect Kenyan women, adding it is unfortunate Jubilee leaders fight themselves rather than engage the Opposition.
Kirinyaga Governor Joseph Ndathi demanded a public apology from Duale, whom he accused of trivialising serious issues. “We must respect each other and avoid insults. This is a serious issue matter,” said Ndathi.

“Why are we always fighting in Jubilee instead of concentrating on implementing the Jubilee manifesto so that President Uhuru Kenyatta can serve Kenyans for 10 years,” said Kabogo. Kesses MP James Bett defended Duale’s leadership record, saying leaders should appreciate his efforts of representing the interests of Jubilee. “He may have his own faults but he is the right man to represent Jubilee in the House,” he said. He maintained that any attempts by MPs to pass a vote of no confidence on Duale would be resisted.