Duale challenges Ruto allies to respect presidency as Gachagua hits back

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. [File, Standard]

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has hit at Kenya Kwanza politicians for what he termed as disrespect to the presidency.

Duale on Friday said it is unfortunate that some of the top politicians within the Kenya Kwanza administration have resorted to disrespecting and undermining President William Ruto.

In an indirect reference to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, Duale said such actions and words are a sign that their mission is to frustrate the president.

Speaking during the 47th graduation ceremony at Londiani Forestry College, Duale claimed some statements from the said have exhibited disrespect to the president.

"I want to tell especially the UDA leaders to respect the president regardless of the position you hold in government," Duale said.

He said the focus of Kenya Kwanza politicians should be to deliver for the people of Kenya in line with President Ruto’s UDA plan.

“A God-fearing and decent leader must respect those in authority. The presidency is a symbol of national unity and those hurling insults at that office must stop,” said Duale.

The former legislator and former Defence Cabinet Secretary said respect is two-way.

“Respect others and you will be respected. We campaigned together and collectively committed to the manifesto and we must therefore stay focused on the mission of delivering for Kenyans,” he said.

According to Duale, the challenges the country is facing are not a government problem but a situation that must be handled wholesomely and collectively to find a lasting solution.

His remarks came in the wake of tensions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition especially the UDA wing where sharp divisions have occurred among leaders from the Mt Kenya region.

There have emerged two factions in the region- one backing DP Gachagua and another merging around Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki. 

 At least 68 Mps have declared that they have severed political links with the DP, an indication that the ominous dark clouds were still gathering over Gachagua’s head a few weeks after his political nemesis shelved an impeachment motion against him.

But in a rejoinder, Gachagua hit back calling on the Mt Kenya region to disregard claims of division among local leaders, describing them as attempts by outsiders to sow discord.

Gachagua said some leaders from the region were being "used by leaders from other regions" to create internal divisions, yet in their regions unity is intact.

Speaking in Nyeri town, the DP compared the 48 MPs who met in Nyandarua County and pledged their support for Kindiki to the story of the hare and the fox.

"You all know this story of the hare and the fox, they had agreed to beat their wives when they got home, but the hare did not beat his wife. Instead, the hare started drumming, and the fox thought the hare was fighting his wife, this is what leaders from other regions are tricking our very own leader," he said.

He added that the people from the Mt Kenya region should be wise and watch those 48 MPs who are being used by the leaders who want ill for the region.

"Everybody can see what is happening, we are not foolish people, the election period is over let us leaders from the Mt Kenya region unit and bring development projects to the region," he said.

Gachagua urged residents to ignore ‘those leaders’ and instead focus on the leaders who are bringing development to the region.

“Get yourself a pen and a book, and write down all the development projects each of these leaders will bring to you. If a leader brings development projects, you can decide to vote for them in the next general election. But if in your book you have not registered any development, you shall decide accordingly," he said.