Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale expressed his readiness to step down if President William Ruto feels he has underperformed, suggesting a potential reset of the cabinet.
Speaking on Jeff Koinange Live, a popular Kenyan television show, Duale said: “If the president feels I have let him down as a minister for defence, I want him to do the right thing… and tell us to step aside.” He added, “The President must reset. He has an opportunity.”
This statement comes amid growing pressure on the Ruto administration, which has faced criticism over its handling of recent protests and economic challenges. Duale’s comments hint at possible tensions within the government and a willingness to shake up leadership if necessary to address public concerns.
The Defence Minister’s remarks were part of a wide-ranging discussion that touched on several sensitive political issues. Notably, Duale defended Noordin Haji, the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), who has been under fire from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Duale described Haji as “one of the best DG the country can have,” praising his career and qualifications.
However, Duale was careful not to directly criticize his superiors, including the Deputy President and President Ruto. When pressed on the relationship between the President and his deputy, Duale deflected, stating, “That is a very personal question that you should put to them.”
The interview also addressed the government’s response to recent protests and allegations of abductions. Duale affirmed citizens’ right to peaceful demonstration but warned against violence, stating, “We will not allow politicians or other people to hire goons to come and infiltrate peaceful protesters… to maim, to kill, to loot and to destroy critical infrastructure of the state.”
Regarding allegations of abductions, Duale controversially claimed that “the worst extrajudicial killing in the history of Kenya happened in the last four, five years of President Uhuru’s reign.” He asserted that President Ruto has committed to ending such practices.
Duale also discussed the recent debate surrounding the Finance Bill, which President Ruto declined to sign following public outcry. The Defence Minister portrayed this as evidence of the President’s willingness to listen to citizens, stating, “President William Ruto is a very fair man, a good man. He listens to people.”
The interview provided a glimpse into the functioning of Kenya’s cabinet under Ruto’s leadership. Duale emphasized the punctuality expected of ministers, revealing that cabinet meetings start promptly at 8 am, with the President typically arriving by 7:50 am. “We must be seated by 7:30,” Duale said.
Throughout the interview, Duale walked a fine line between defending the government’s actions and acknowledging public concerns. He criticized opposition leaders organizing protests, suggesting some don’t fit the definition of “youth” and may have ulterior motives. However, he also stressed the importance of listening to “vital forces” calling for a united, non-tribal Kenya.
