Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a blistering attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning his integrity and suitability for leadership in a hard-hitting statement that has reignited political tensions.
In a strongly worded address, Duale declared that “Kenya deserves leaders of integrity, not endless controversy,” as he laid out a series of allegations and past incidents he says continue to cast doubt on Gachagua’s record.
Duale claimed that Gachagua “rose to high office under a cloud of serious corruption allegations involving billions of shillings,” adding that “even the courts have questioned the source of his wealth.”
But according to the CS, the controversies surrounding the former Deputy President stretch back decades.
“This story did not begin there,” Duale asserted. “In 1997, he was dismissed from the civil service while serving as a District Officer in Laikipia over gross misconduct — a matter he has never fully explained to the public.”
He further revisited Gachagua’s 2021 arrest, stating: “In July 2021, he was arrested by the DCI at his Nyeri home over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office, tied to vast sums of money flowing through accounts associated with him.”
The Health CS also dragged in long-running family disputes, referencing concerns raised by relatives of the late former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
“Even within his own family, disputes have spilled into the open,” Duale said. “Relatives… have raised concerns over the handling of a multibillion-shilling estate. Claims that remain contested, but serious enough to demand clarity.”
In perhaps his sharpest jab, Duale pointed to Gachagua’s impeachment, describing it as unprecedented.
“Then came the unthinkable. For the first time in our history, a sitting Deputy President was impeached by constitutional institutions over violations of oath, divisive rhetoric and conduct deemed unfit for office,” he stated.
Duale argued that the former DP’s record presents a troubling pattern, posing a series of pointed questions:
“Can we trust leadership weighed down by persistent integrity concerns?”
“Can a nation unite under divisive politics?”
“Can accountability mean anything if we ignore such a record?”
He challenged Gachagua to publicly address the issues raised instead of deflecting criticism.
“If he wishes to lecture the nation, he must be ready to answer every question, not just the convenient ones,” Duale said.
The remarks are likely to deepen the growing political rift, as leaders continue to trade accusations in an increasingly heated national discourse over accountability, leadership, and integrity.
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