Duale vows to continue doing politics, says it’s legal
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said that stopping politics is not something he plans to do anytime soon, asserting that it is entirely legal for Cabinet Secretaries to engage in political activities.
Speaking when he appeared before the Senate on Wednesday, October 29, 2024, to respond to questions about his ministry’s performance, Duale maintained that the law permits Cabinet Secretaries to participate in politics and he will continue to do so unless the law is changed.
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Duale said, “Mr Speaker, I don’t know whether I have left any questions. But there was a question by the Senator of Murang’a, Joe Nyutu.
Political role of cabinet secretaries
“Mr Speaker, I have read the law. Cabinet Secretaries, by law, we are politicians, and we will continue to politick.
“I want you to check the Conflict of Interest Act, which amended the Leadership and Integrity Act. Anyone else in the public service cannot do politics, but Cabinet Secretaries, the law allows me.”
He explained that as a member of a political government, he is within his legal rights to take part in political discourse and activities.
“I serve a political government, and the law allows me. If you change the law and say CSs should not do politics, I will stop, but as of now, I will continue,” he added.
Public debate over political neutrality
The remarks are likely to reignite debate over the political neutrality of public officials, especially Cabinet Secretaries, whose roles are expected to focus on policy implementation rather than active political engagement.
While the Conflict of Interest Act and amendments to the Leadership and Integrity Act appear to create a legal grey area, Duale’s comments highlight the blurred lines between political service and public administration within Kenya’s executive framework.
His statement comes amid growing scrutiny of Cabinet Secretaries who are seen participating in political rallies and public endorsements, a trend critics argue undermines the principle of impartial governance.
As the discussion continues, legal experts and lawmakers may revisit the provisions governing conduct in public office to clarify whether political activity by Cabinet Secretaries aligns with the spirit of Kenya’s constitutional and ethical standards.
