By Betty Luke
Environment CS Aden Duale has defended the decision to ouster embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua noting the nation had no space for ‘tribal’ leaders.
He faulted Gachagua over what he termed as a self centered pursuit of empowering Kenyans from a certain region instead of doing so for the entire country that he swore to serve.
“The Presidency oath is meant to protect the interests of the republic of Kenya and not the region that had many votes. Why would a senior leader push for the interests of a region? Is that what he swore to protect?” posed CS Duale.
He said President William Ruto was keen on ensuring equitable distribution of resources to all regions regardless of how and who they voted for during the 2022 General Elections.
“If there is someone in the government who is pushing an agenda for a specific group of people they should prepare to leave because they have no space in this accommodative government,” he added.
Marsabit Governor Mohammud Ali said “If we (Governors) have to ensure fair representation of the people we serve, it is out of order for a Deputy President to demand overrepresentation of a certain region over others”.
Garsen MP Ali Wario Guyo said the National Assembly will continue supporting the Head of State to deliver his promises to Kenyans.
“Gachagua was behaving like a regional Governor and that is why we want him to go home. As Parliament, we are fully behind Prof Kithure Kindiki to take over the Deputy President position,” he said.
The pair spoke during the wedding ceremony of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) PS Kello Harsama’s son in Isiolo.
Also in attendance was Head of Public Service Felix Kosgei, Marsabit Governor Mohammud Ali, Senators Mohammed Chute and Fatuma Dullo of Marsabit and Isiolo respectively, Woman Representative Naomi Waqo (Marsabit) and Former Isiolo Woman Rep Rehema Jaldesa among other leaders.
CS Duale also defended the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Adani deal noting that modernizing the facility would attract more foreign investors into the country.
“Since the country lacks enough resources to upgrade the airport it is only wise that we embrace public-private partnership, failure to which investors will focus on other countries that have well developed airports,”he said.
PS Kello hailed Ruto’s administration noting that it had ensured fair representation of the Northern Kenya region which had been marginalized for decades.
“If a person like me who hails from a very remote area in Marsabit County can sit with the President (at State House) to discuss how to address the challenges bedeviling the country, it is clear that this is an inclusive government,”he said while urging pastoralists communities to rally behind the ruling government.
