CS Duale commends NEP leaders for remaining firm in their support for Ruto's government

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Health CS Aden Duale and other leaders during the inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the modern Tana River Bridge./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 

Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung'wah/STEPHEN ASTARIKO 

Health CS Aden Duale on Monday heaped praise on leaders from the North Eastern region for remaining steadfast in their support for President Ruto’s government.

Duale, one of the senior-most politicians in the region and who served for four terms as Garissa Township MP, said that by standing firmly behind the President, the leaders have once again demonstrated political maturity, clarity of purpose, and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of their people.

He spoke in Garissa Town when he joined Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a resource mobilization event in support of small-scale traders affected by the recent Sug-Mugdi fire tragedy in Garissa Township Constituency.

A total of Sh23.5 million was raised to support the more than 4,000 small-scale traders affected by the blaze.

“As a leader from this region, I want in a special way to thank leaders from the region. Your unwavering and principled support for President William Ruto’s government, both inside and outside Parliament, is fantastic,” said Duale.

Duale’s praise came amid attacks from the opposition, who have been accusing the President of a myriad of allegations 

However, Duale came to the President’s defense, saying that he has transformed the country in the two years he has been in office, something he noted had been lacking under former presidents.

Duale said that under President Ruto’s administration, the North Eastern region has witnessed unprecedented attention and investment—both in infrastructure and in programs that speak directly to the lives of ordinary citizens.

“The footprints of President William Ruto’s development agenda are clear for everyone to see. You might hate him because of his name or politically, but the truth is he has done and continues to transform this country,” Duale said.

Duale said for decades, communities from the North Eastern region felt marginalised and forgotten, adding that for them, independence has been realised with Ruto’s leadership.

He was referring to the move by President Ruto, who on February 4 signed a decree eliminating vetting requirements for residents of Northeastern Kenya applying for national identification documents.

“Today, under this administration, the people of North Eastern Kenya feel more Kenyan than ever before. We are seeing tangible development. We are seeing deliberate inclusion. We are seeing leadership that walks the talk,” Duale said.

Duale later accompanied the Deputy President in inspecting the ongoing construction of the modern Tana River Bridge, a flagship infrastructure project commissioned by President Ruto in February 2025.

This multibillion-shilling investment replaces the old Tana Bridge built at independence and stands as a vital link connecting the Northern Kenya counties and neighboring countries to the rest of the nation.

Duale also used the opportunity to voice his deep concern over the persistently high maternal mortality rates in some counties, stating that such tragedies should not occur in this day and age.

Pastoralist counties, including Garissa, Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, and Isiolo, continue to report the highest maternal mortality rates in Kenya.

Contributing factors include limited access to quality healthcare, low socioeconomic status, cultural practices, and inadequate medical infrastructure.

Duale emphasized that while health is a devolved function, the national government still bears a critical responsibility in ensuring that alarming maternal mortality figures are brought down.

“Maternal mortality is not only unacceptable and immoral—it is unconstitutional. This cannot be allowed to continue in modern Kenya. Both the national and county governments must work hand-in-hand to address this issue,” said Duale.

He underscored the priority the government is placing on reducing maternal deaths, describing it as a key indicator of a functional healthcare system.