The simmering feud between Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has exploded into a public war of words, with Northern Kenya’s development record serving as the battleground.

What began as political sniping has escalated into a full-blown confrontation, exposing deep fissures in the country's political fabric. Duale, a vocal defender of the region and the current administration, has accused Gachagua of being a "tourist" in national affairs, dismissing his recent critiques as the ramblings of an "idler." The exchange highlights the intense competition for narrative control as political alignments continue to shift ahead of the 2027 cycle.

The War of Words

Gachagua, seeking to remain relevant after his impeachment, had criticized the government's neglect of Northern Kenya, a region historically marginalized. His comments struck a nerve with Duale, who views himself as the gatekeeper of the region's interests within the cabinet. Duale fired back, labeling Gachagua’s international trips as "tourism disguised as high-level engagements" and questioning his moral authority to lecture the government on development.

The Cabinet Secretary’s rebuttal was personal and pointed. "We are busy working for the people, while others are busy seeking attention," Duale remarked. He listed various infrastructure and water projects initiated by the Ruto administration as evidence of their commitment, directly contradicting Gachagua’s narrative of abandonment. This clash is not just about development; it is a struggle for political supremacy in a vote-rich region.

• The Accusation: Gachagua claims Northern Kenya is being sidelined by the current regime.
• The Defense: Duale cites specific projects and accuses Gachagua of spreading falsehoods.
• The Context: A proxy war for the 2027 elections, with Gachagua trying to build a new opposition base.

Regional Stakes

For the people of Northern Kenya, this political theater offers little comfort against the harsh realities of drought and underdevelopment. However, the attention the feud brings could force the government to fast-track projects to prove Gachagua wrong. Duale knows that his political survival depends on delivering tangible results, not just winning Twitter wars.

As the insults fly, observers note that Gachagua is deliberately provoking administration figures to stay in the news cycle. By engaging him, Duale may be giving the former DP the very oxygen he seeks. The "Northern Kenya" debate is likely to intensify, becoming a key talking point in rallies across the country.

"The north is not a prop for failed politicians," Duale warned, drawing a line in the sand. But as long as Gachagua has a microphone, the storm over the arid lands will not settle.