Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a sharp response to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after the latter demanded a one-on-one presidential debate with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Duale dismissed Gachagua’s call as misplaced and legally untenable.
“Mr Rigathi. You cannot demand a presidential debate when you have already been impeached and stripped of the very legitimacy required to contest for public office. A presidential debate is for candidates, not for individuals nursing political nostalgia,” Duale stated.
Duale argued that presidential debates are structured platforms meant for individuals who have formally qualified to contest for the presidency. He maintained that such forums are not political stages for former office holders seeking relevance.
The Health CS’s remarks come just hours after Gachagua rejected Duale’s earlier challenge to engage in a public debate, insisting that he would only face President Ruto in a presidential showdown next year.
Escalating Political Tensions
The exchange marks another escalation in the growing political rivalry between President Ruto and his former deputy. Gachagua has recently intensified criticism of the government, particularly over development issues in northern Kenya and the rollout of the NYOTA programme.
Duale, speaking at a youth empowerment event in Garissa earlier in the week, had challenged Gachagua to a televised debate to clarify his remarks on development in the North Eastern region.
However, Gachagua dismissed the invitation, stating he does not debate “employees” of President Ruto and is only available for a presidential debate directly with the Head of State.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, political temperatures appear to be rising. Public exchanges between senior leaders are becoming increasingly pointed, signalling early positioning for the next electoral contest.
Duale’s latest remarks underline the government’s pushback against Gachagua’s growing public criticism, while also raising questions about eligibility, legitimacy, and the rules governing future presidential debates.
As the political battle lines continue to be drawn, Kenyans can expect more heated exchanges in the run-up to 2027.
