In what promises to be the political showdown of the year, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a no-holds-barred duel—not in the ring, but on the legendary green sofa of Jeff Koinange Live (JKL).
The bone of contention? The stinging accusation that leaders from Northern Kenya have been treating development billions like ‘kitchen cash’ while their backyard remains a desert—literally and figuratively.
THE ATTACK
Speaking on Tuesday in Garissa while accompanying President William Ruto for the Nyota Funds disbursement, Duale was in no mood for pleasantries. The CS, known for his blunt military-style delivery, turned his sights on the former second-in-command.
“I am challenging Gachagua to a debate on development in the Northeastern region,” Duale fired, before turning to the president. “Ruto, leave him to me. Mimi nitamalizana naye (I will deal with him).”
And just like that, the bell was rung.
THE ALLEGATIONS
For weeks, ‘Riggy G’ has been on the offensive. The DP-turned-party-leader has been crisscrossing the country, dropping bombshells that have left his former UDA allies squirming.
His charge? That Northern Kenya leaders have been receiving billions in devolution cash, only to siphon the funds to Nairobi’s posh suburbs—Eastleigh, South C, and Kilimani—while voters in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera drink dirty water and learn under trees.
“Instead of staying in the constituencies they were elected to serve, they live in Nairobi mansions,” Gachagua has been telling rallies. “How do you know the problems of the mwananchi when you are sipping coffee in Kilimani?”
He has further cataloged a litany of failures: empty hospitals, missing teachers, and dried-up water pans.
THE SUB-TEXT
But this is not just about development. Far from it.
Beneath the surface, this is a classic Kenyan political grudge match. Duale and Gachagua were once brothers-in-arms in UDA, drinking from the same Mt. Kenya kettle. Then came October 2024. The impeachment. The fallout. The realignment.
Now, the former allies are on opposite ends of the spear, and the Northern Kenya narrative has become the battleground.
CAN THE SOFA HANDLE IT?
JKL has seen its fair share of fireworks—tears, walkouts, and the occasional flying water bottle. But a Duale-versus-Gachagua face-off? That would be Box Office.
Duale, the veteran political general from Garissa, is a master of parliamentary ambush and unapologetic delivery. Gachagua, the self-styled ‘hustler’s voice,’ thrives on weaving complex conspiracy theories in his native Kikuyu, then translating the highlights for national TV.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Beyond the bravado, Gachagua’s attacks touch a raw nerve. Since 2013, counties have swallowed billions. Yet for many Northern Kenya residents, development remains a mirage on the horizon. The question he is asking—loudly, and in the face of the region’s heavyweights—is one that many wananchi in arid lands whisper in private:
Where did the money go?
Duale’s camp insists the CS is ready with a scorecard. They argue Gachagua is merely fishing in muddy waters to remain relevant after his dramatic fall from power.
THE BALLOT OR THE BALL?
As of press time, ‘Riggy G’ had not responded to the JKL challenge. His handlers say he is weighing options.
But in Nairobi salons and Garissa bases, the verdict is already in: Kenyans want to see this debate. They want the charts. They want the receipts. They want the raw, unplugged, two-hour fight.
JKL, the ball is in your court. Book them.
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