The simmering cold war within the Kenya Kwanza administration has erupted into open conflict. In a blistering undiplomatic dress-down, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly belittled Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, refusing to engage him in verbal combat on the grounds of protocol and hierarchy.

Speaking to a charged crowd in his Mount Kenya backyard, Gachagua did not mince his words.His dismissal of Duale as a "mere employee" of President William Ruto is a calculated power play, designed to reassert his authority as the second-in-command. This is no longer just a difference of opinion; it is a battle for the soul of the coalition and a clear signal that the Deputy President will not tolerate perceived insubordination from Cabinet members.

The Hierarchy of Power

"I do not debate with employees," Gachagua thundered, his voice cutting through the cheers of his supporters. "I debate with the employer. If the Cabinet Secretary has an issue, let him report to his boss, who is my partner in this government." This statement explicitly draws a line in the sand, distinguishing between those who hold the mandate of the people and those who serve at the pleasure of the President.

The clash stems from Duale’s recent criticisms of Gachagua’s "shareholder" remarks regarding government appointments. Duale, a seasoned political operative, had dared to challenge the DP's narrative, calling for a more nationalistic approach. Gachagua’s retort is a reminder of the political debt he believes the President owes the mountain region. By framing Duale as a subordinate, Gachagua is attempting to isolate the CS and force the President’s hand in defending his deputy.

• Political Fallout: The exchange has sent shockwaves through the coalition, with MPs from the Rift Valley and Mount Kenya regions retreating into their ethnic bastions to strategize.
• Ruto’s Dilemma: President Ruto remains conspicuously silent.His failure to publicly rein in either his deputy or his minister is fueling speculation that this infighting may serve a deeper Machiavellian purpose.

A Government Divided

Observers note that this public spat is symptomatic of a deeper malaise. A government where the Deputy President openly wars with key Cabinet Secretaries is a government at war with itself. It projects instability and distracts from the pressing economic challenges facing the *wananchi*.

As the dust settles, the question remains: Can Ruto maintain discipline in his ranks, or is this the beginning of a chaotic unraveling ahead of the 2027 cycle?Gachagua has fired the warning shot, and for now, he stands defiant, daring any other "employee" to cross his path.