By The Weekly Vision Reporter
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ignited a political storm after declaring at State House that Northern Kenya has not experienced a single drought since President William Ruto took office, a claim that appears to contradict both government records and independent reports.
Speaking during a State House event on Wednesday, Duale defended his support for President Ruto’s bid for a second term, saying he would vote for the Head of State because, since his election in 2022, “there has never been any drought in Northern Kenya.”
The remarks quickly spread across social media, where critics accused the Cabinet Secretary of ignoring the hardships endured by millions of residents in the arid and semi-arid counties. The controversy stems from the fact that several government agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners have, over the past four years, repeatedly documented drought conditions affecting counties such as Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana, Isiolo and Samburu.
Ironically, Duale himself, while serving in government earlier this year, acknowledged the severity of drought in northern Kenya as he announced emergency interventions, including food relief, water trucking and support for affected pastoral communities.
The National Drought Management Authority has also issued periodic drought assessments warning of worsening food insecurity in several northern counties. At the same time, humanitarian agencies have continued to appeal for emergency assistance for vulnerable households.
Political analysts say Duale’s latest remarks are likely to fuel debate as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election, with both the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition expected to intensify campaigns over the government’s record on food security, climate resilience and disaster management.
Supporters of the President have argued that the administration has invested heavily in irrigation projects, water infrastructure and livestock support programmes, reducing the impact of drought compared with previous years. However, critics insist that while government interventions may have mitigated the effects in some areas, it is inaccurate to suggest that Northern Kenya has been free of drought since 2022.
As the remarks continue to attract widespread attention, the debate is shifting from political rhetoric to questions about the accuracy of public statements made by senior government officials and the importance of aligning campaign messaging with documented evidence.
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