Gachagua to Duale: I can't debate you, I want Ruto himself

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, during a NYOTA youth empowerment event at Garissa High School, Duale proposed a debate with Gachagua on Citizen TV’s JKLive. 

“President Ruto, leave him (Gachagua) to me. I will deal with him,” Duale told the President amid a cheering crowd. 

Gachagua has now turned away the health CS, saying he is only interested in tackling his boss Ruto. 

“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 employees should help him prepare talking notes early enough,” Gachagua said in a rejoinder on Thursday. 

In Garissa, President Ruto did not back his cabinet secretary. "I want to tell my friend Aden Duale, those who know English normally say, ‘Don’t argue with a fool; people will not know the difference.’ Let us not waste our time. We have an agenda for this nation." President William Ruto told Duale. 

Duale and Gachagua’s friction stems from the latter’s remarks in Nyeri, where he accused Northern leaders of misusing devolution funds.

The former deputy President would later accuse Kenya Kwanza government of sidelining the North Eastern region, leaving it ravaged by drought and famine.