It won't be business as usual: Duale defends Ruto's 'enough is enough' remarks

In an interview on Citizen TV's JKLive, Duale defended President Ruto's earlier remarks, where the head of state vowed to deal with those plotting to oust him from power unconstitutionally. 

A visibly vexed President Ruto dared anyone to attempt the move before the 2027 General Election, noting that he can no longer maintain his silence and "enough is enough".

"I want to tell those characters giving us lectures that they can change this administration using violence and unlawful means before 2027, let them try," Ruto stated. 

"This is a democratic nation and Kenyans will choose the nation's leadership through the ballot. We cannot choose leadership through violence. That is not going to happen in this country."

While echoing Ruto's remarks, Duale cited that anyone planning to torch a police station or law courts commits an act of terrorism and should be prosecuted. 

He added that the president has the authority to use whatever means that is available to uphold national security and decisively deal with those sponsoring violence. 

"The president said it today, 'I have been very patient, very tolerant'. The peace and stability of our nation. The life and the property of our people are at stake and enough is enough," Duale remarked.

He went on: "Chief Justice Martha Koome is on record stating that the attack on Kiambu Law Courts is terrorism. If you attack security offices, it's not a normal crime, it is terrorism, so the perpetrators should watch the president's speech; it's not going to be business as usual."  

"If you want to seize power, it's only through democratic elections."

Duale also dismissed the claims made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the president was profiling the Kikuyu community through targeted criminal operations. 

In response, the Health CS reiterated that Ruto has given the Mt Kenya adequate representation, citing the inclusion of eight Cabinet ministers, including the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. 

"The former DP, whom I've worked with, is a bitter man. Unfortunately, the destruction took place in the region he comes from. It is unfair to the people of Mt Kenya. If it's about representation, 8 members from Central Kenya sit in Cabinet. The whole of Nyanza has two ministers, the Coast has two ministers and in the North region, I am the only one," Duale noted. 

"We must protect the safety, security and stability of our country."