Kenyans Criticize Health CS Adan Duale Over Facebook Post Praising Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu

 

Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has come under sharp criticism from Kenyans online after posting a goodwill message to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for October 29.

In his Facebook post, Duale extended his “very best wishes” to President Suluhu, praising her for what he termed “remarkable strides in growth, unity, and development” under her leadership. He further lauded the friendship between Kenya and Tanzania, expressing confidence that the two nations’ ties would continue to strengthen.

“Under your visionary leadership, Tanzania has made remarkable strides in growth, unity and development. Kenya and Tanzania share deep bonds of friendship, history and cooperation,” Duale wrote.
“I also take this opportunity to wish Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, my friend Hon. Bashe Hussein, Minister of Agriculture, and the entire CCM fraternity great success in the forthcoming elections.”

However, many Kenyans on social media interpreted the message as tone-deaf and politically insensitive, accusing the CS of endorsing what they perceive as an election lacking genuine competition.

One Facebook user, Jackson Lenkoseg, wrote:

“Let her respect the citizens of Tanzania. Let them freely elect a leader of their own choice — that’s what true democracy means. Democracy is not about jailing opposition leaders or forcing others into exile out of fear for their lives.”

Another, Philip Mbithi Kiswii, echoed similar sentiments, saying:“A strong leader who has performed well doesn’t need to incarcerate opponents to feel safe in elections in any functional democracy.”

Others used humor and sarcasm to criticize the CS. Sharrif Kamara commented,

“Ati remarkable strides… My friend, before you marry a widower, always enquire what killed the husband.”

Elijah Barsambu added,“Duale, Duale, Duale, how can you wish the very best to someone running alone in the field? Let me laugh in a way that pleases God.”

And Deej Hurly remarked,“If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck. Now you know the character of Duale and his master.”

The backlash highlights the growing public sensitivity to regional politics, especially around democracy