'Imaginary podiums’: Duale fires back at Gachagua over presidential debate demand

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has countered former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's demand for a presidential debate with President William Ruto, citing that he's legally barred from contesting during the 2027 General Election. 

The CS noted that the presidential debate will be between qualified candidates and won't feature those impeached from their esteemed positions in government. 

In a thinly veiled jab, CS Duale told Gachagua to ponder on how he lost the Deputy Presidency and focus less on 'imaginary podiums.'

"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 posted on X. 

"It is political fiction to imagine yourself on a ballot you are legally barred from appearing on. The Presidential Debate next year will be between duly qualified candidates. It will not feature those disqualified by history, by law and by their own record."

He added: "Until then, focus less on imaginary podiums and more on explaining how you squandered the one you once had."

The friction between the two leaders emanated from Gachagua accusing North Eastern Kenya leaders of misusing devolution funds.

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

Not taking Gachagua's remarks lightly, CS Duale proposed a debate with Gachagua on Citizen TV’s JKLive. 

“President Ruto, leave him (Gachagua) to me. I will deal with him,” Duale stated during a NYOTA youth empowerment event at Garissa High School on February 11, 2026. 

At the same event, President Ruto told Duale to “not waste his time” and focus on the nation's agenda. 

"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."

In a rejoinder, Gachagua turned down Duale's proposal, citing that he's not interested in battling 'Ruto's employees'.

“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,” the DCP leader stated.