Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has strongly defended President William Ruto’s leadership, saying residents of North Eastern Kenya are standing with the Head of State not because of development projects, but because of what he termed as the restoration of dignity and equality.
Speaking during a public address, Duale dismissed critics and emphasised that the region’s support for the President is rooted in what he described as the recognition of equal citizenship.
“We are not your cousins, so how can you address us that way?” Duale posed, in an apparent response to critics. “We will stand with you even if you have not built roads or given us anything. By bringing us our dignity and making us equal like other Kenyans, that is enough.”
The CS said the people of the region value fairness and justice, adding that Islamic teachings emphasise reciprocating good deeds.
“We are Muslims. We believe that if someone does good to you, you repay with good. That is the teaching of the Holy Quran,” he said.
Duale further referenced what he described as historical injustices committed against the people of North Eastern Kenya, including past massacres and security operations carried out under previous administrations.
“Northeastern existed during the time of Mzee Kenyatta, during President Moi’s era, under President Kibaki and under President Uhuru Kenyatta. We know the crimes that were committed against us,” he stated.
He alleged that previous governments supervised or perpetuated injustices in the region, citing security crackdowns conducted in the name of fighting terrorism.
Duale specifically referenced operations during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, claiming that an emergency security camp was established in Kasarani under the pretext of counter-terrorism efforts.
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that the current administration has taken steps to end what he termed as profiling and marginalisation of North Eastern residents, reiterating the government’s commitment to equality and inclusion.
His remarks come amid ongoing political discourse on citizenship rights, historical grievances and development in the region.
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