CS Aden Duale Calls for Integrity in Leadership, Criticizes Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has called for higher standards of integrity in public leadership, sharply criticizing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he described as a long trail of unresolved controversies.

Speaking during a public address, Duale said Kenya must prioritize accountability and ethical leadership, arguing that leaders facing persistent questions over their conduct should be prepared to offer clear and transparent explanations to the public.

“Kenya deserves leaders of integrity, not endless controversy,” Duale stated, adding that trust in public office is built on credibility and openness.

The Health CS referenced past allegations linked to Gachagua, including claims of corruption and questions surrounding his wealth that have previously been examined in court. He also pointed to earlier incidents in the former deputy president’s career, including his dismissal from the civil service in 1997 while serving as a District Officer in Laikipia over misconduct allegations.

Duale further cited Gachagua’s arrest in July 2021 by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over alleged money laundering and abuse of office, involving significant financial transactions linked to accounts associated with him.

In addition, the CS mentioned reported family disputes tied to the estate of the late Nderitu Gachagua, noting that while such claims remain contested, they raise concerns that require clarity.

He also referenced the historic impeachment of Gachagua, describing it as an unprecedented moment in Kenya’s political history in which a sitting Deputy President was removed from office through constitutional processes over allegations including violation of oath and divisive conduct.

“This is a pattern that raises urgent questions,” Duale said. “Can we trust leadership weighed down by persistent integrity concerns? Can a nation unite under divisive politics? Can accountability mean anything if we ignore such a record?”

Duale challenged the former deputy president to address the allegations comprehensively, urging him to provide full disclosure rather than selective responses.

“If he wishes to lecture the nation, he must be ready to answer every question, not just the convenient ones,” he said.

The remarks are likely to intensify political debate, as leaders continue to weigh in on issues of governance, accountability, and integrity ahead of future political engagements.