Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has told off Jubilee Party deputy leader Fred Matiang’i over what he termed as relentless criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
Duale further questioned Matiang’i’s moral authority to critique the President.
Speaking during a public event over the weekend, Duale claimed Matiang’i should be the last person to lecture Kenyans about governance and the rule of law, given his record while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary in the previous government.
He argued that Matiang’i’s tenure at the Interior Ministry was marked by controversy and heavy-handed policing, insisting that this disqualifies him from credibly attacking the current administration.
Duale further alleged that numerous cases of extrajudicial killings were recorded during Matiang’i’s time in charge of internal security, adding that Kenya needs leaders who respect the law and uphold constitutionalism.
He dismissed the former CS’s growing political ambitions, saying leadership should be anchored on integrity and respect for democratic institutions.
“What is he trying to tell us about Ruto’s government? He should be the last person to critique Ruto,” Duale said.
He dismissed attempts by Matiang'i to project himself as a reformist leader.
“He is chest-thumping all over, yet we know him,” Duale added.
Matiang’i has in recent days mounted a sharp critique of Ruto’s administration, describing it as “highly incompetent.”
Speaking at his Nyamira home over the weekend, the former powerful CS said Kenyans were suffering under the current leadership and vowed to play a role in rescuing the country.
“We are struggling against a barbaric, draconian and highly incompetent administration,” Matiang’i said, claiming that the government’s policies have proved extremely unpopular.
He claimed Ruto’s leadership style mirrors that of colonial regimes determined to cling to power at all costs.
“This administration is completely unpopular and determined to hang on to power like colonialists, but it will not be a walk in the park for him,” he said, adding that he has the experience and capacity to lead the country.
Duale however strongly defended Ruto’s development record, insisting it is unmatched by any of his predecessors. He said criticism of the Head of State is often driven by personal dislike rather than facts.
“People just hate the name Ruto, but if you look at the three years he has been president, if you look at the roads, no one has performed like him,” Duale said. “I have worked with Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, and now I am with Ruto. In three years, no one can compare with the work he has done for Kenyans.”
Matiang’i has recently signalled interest in the 2027 presidential race, marking a notable return to the public spotlight after a period of relative political silence.
