“I Want Ruto, Not You!” – Gachagua Tells CS Duale Over Political Debate
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has turned down Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s offer for a televised political discussion.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 12, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader slammed Duale, claiming that he will not engage ‘workers’ of President William Ruto.
Gachagua dismissed Duale’s challenge as ‘laughable,’ insisting that he is only willing to meet President Ruto in a genuine presidential debate next year.
“I have heard an employee of William Ruto was inviting me to a debate. Laughable! I don’t debate or engage the employees of William Ruto,” Gachagua wrote on his social media accounts.
“I am only available for one debate with the Ruto team, the Presidential Debate next year between Mr William Ruto and me. His employees should help him prepare talking notes early enough,” he added.
I have heard an employee of William Ruto was inviting me to some debate.
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) February 12, 2026
Laughable!
I don’t debate nor engage with employees of William Ruto. I am only available for one debate with the Ruto team, the Presidential Debate next year between Mr. William Ruto and I.
His…
Gachagua’s remarks came after Duale openly challenged him to a live television discussion on development challenges in the North East region.
Speaking at the NYOTA event in Garissa on Wednesday, February 11, Duale stated that he is ready to engage and challenged Gachagua to debate.
“I am ready to engage him. I challenge the former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua. I will challenge you to a contest. Let us meet at Jeff Koinakis’ bench. I will challenge you. I am ready,” Duale posed.
During the event, Duale questioned Gachagua’s moral authority to lecture Northern Kenyan leaders on development.
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He claimed that the former DP had an opportunity in government but did not improve the situation.
He has also blamed the issues in Northern Kenya on previous administrations, claiming that the previous regime had a significant impact on the region’s low educational performance.
Duale’s criticism of Gachagua arose from the latter’s recent statements in which he accused several regional leaders of allegedly abusing devolution monies and neglecting development in their counties.
In his remarks, Gachagua alleged fund shortages in key public services, including hospitals, clean water, classrooms, teachers, and healthcare personnel.
“I Want Ruto, Not You!” – Gachagua Tells CS Duale Over Political Debate
