Health CS Aden Duale and other leaders in Wajir./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged President William Ruto to fully honour the oath he took upon assuming office by safeguarding Kenya’s peace, stability, and constitutional order.
Speaking in Wajir on Saturday during the 60th anniversary of Wajir High School, where he was the chief guest, Duale weighed in on the growing unrest in the country, saying the buck stops with the president.
“In Article 1 of the Constitution, the President of the Republic of Kenya has a duty to protect the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, and ensure peace and stability in the republic,” said Duale.
“Mr. President, you must implement the oath you took in Kasarani.”
Since June 2025, the country has witnessed a wave of youth-led anti-government protests across major towns.
The demonstrations, largely driven by discontent over governance and economic issues, have frequently turned violent.
The most deadly protests yet occurred on July 7, when at least 31 people were killed, scores injured, and hundreds arrested in what many have described as the darkest day of the ongoing unrest.
While some have accused President Ruto of enabling heavy-handed police responses, others are calling on him to crack down on those allegedly inciting violence.
Duale emphasized that previous presidents — Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta — each handed over a peaceful and stable nation, and that it is President Ruto’s responsibility to maintain that legacy.
“Moi handed over to Kibaki a united, peaceful, and stable nation. Kibaki handed over to Uhuru the same. Uhuru did the same to you,” said Duale. “You have no excuse.”
The event brought together former and current students, teachers, principals and community leaders in a grand show of unity and pride.
Key speakers encouraged current students to uphold the school's legacy, which has produced top leaders in government, academia and business over six decades.
In attendance were KCB CEO Paul Russo,Eastleigh Business Community Chair Mzee Ahmed Abdullahi Yare, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abbas Sheikh, Mandera Senator Ali Roba, Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Jehow, Garissa Woman Rep Udgoon Siyad and MPs from Wajir and Garissa.
Just days earlier, on July 9, President Ruto addressed the unrest during a speech in Nairobi, taking a hardline stance against those he claimed were behind the demonstrations.
“We are coming after you. You cannot sponsor violence in the Republic of Kenya and expect to go scot-free,” said Ruto.
He added that no one would remove him from power through unconstitutional means and told opposition leaders to prepare for the 2027 elections instead of seeking shortcuts.
As tensions continue to mount, all eyes remain on the president and his next move — a decision that could determine whether Kenya charts a path back to calm or descends further into crisis.
