Duale explains to Ruto why some Kenyans hate him
By David Nthua, September 19, 2025Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on Friday, September 19, 2025, told President William Ruto that he has many enemies.
Speaking during the launch of the SHA Sponsorship Program at State House in Nairobi, Duale said the reason why Ruto is being opposed is for allowing Kenyans to freely access and tour State House.
“Mimi, nilikua nakuja State House, wakati wa mheshimiwa Uhuru na Mheshimiwa Kibaki na sijawahi kuona Wakenya wa tabaka hii kuja kukaa hapa.
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Duale on why Ruto has enemies
“Ndio maana uko na adui wengi. Maadui wengi wanakupiga kwa sababu umesema hi nyumba (State House) ni ya Wakenya.
“Hii nyumba ni ya kila mtu kwa sababu hawa walikupigia kura. Wako na haki kikatiba kama waalimu, madaktari na Wakenya wa tabaka mbali mbali kuja hapa kujadiliana na kiongozi wao,” Duale said.
Duale added that Ruto’s generosity and openness in engaging Kenyans directly at the State House are unprecedented.
He praised the Head of State for creating a welcoming environment for citizens from all walks of life, saying this explains why some critics have reacted negatively.
“President Ruto has shown a level of inclusivity that we have never seen before. People are angry because this is not how politics has been done, but it is the right way,” Duale noted.
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SHA sponsorship program launch
According to Duale, allowing everyday Kenyans, including teachers, doctors, and civil servants, to visit State House freely strengthens the bond between the government and its citizens.
The Health CS said that such openness ensures citizens feel seen and heard, creating a sense of ownership and trust in the leadership.
The SHA sponsorship program launch provided the perfect backdrop for this message, with thousands of Kenyans attending the event in SHA-branded T-shirts.
Duale’s remarks underline the president’s commitment to inclusive governance and highlight how citizen engagement can transform traditional state institutions.
Observers say Ruto’s approach, including free access to the State House and the SHA healthcare initiative, demonstrates a broader strategy of connecting leadership with the grassroots, challenging old hierarchies, and building goodwill across the country.