Spat between Adan Duale, Governor Ruto highlights rising political intolerance

The recent ugly public spat between National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Governor Isaac Ruto highlighted the rising political intolerance.

During a public rally in Narok two weeks ago, a bitter exchange between the two politicians almost degenerated into fisticuffs in front of Deputy President William Ruto as the public and officials from neighbouring countries watched.

Duale sparked off the confrontation when he “insulted” Bomet Governor while demanding “accountability” for Sh184 million that was allegedly unaccounted for by the CoG chair.

“Hii pesa ni ya Wakenya sio ya mama yako bwana?” (These funds are for Kenyans and it doesn’t belong to your mother?) These words were too much for the governor who stood up and began walking to the microphone where Duale was speaking.

Before he stood up to take on Duale, he was caught on camera saying “this man is a fool”, referring to Duale.

Were it not for the intervention of Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and Narok Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, there would have been a fight on the dais.

The two exchanged bitter words, forcing the Deputy President to apologise to the Tanzanian delegation present.

Kick out

A few days later, Duale threatened Ruto saying he risks being kicked out of the United Republic Party if he fails to account for Sh184 million that is allegedly unaccounted for in Bomet County.

He also claimed Ruto may be locked up in jail over the same.

“We will not hesitate to send you home if you fail to account for the management of public resources. All governors, senators, MCAs must respect constitutional institutions like Auditor General, Parliament, Controller of Budget and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission,” he said.

Both politicians belong to URP, which is led by DP Ruto.

Bomet Governor’s push for a referendum appears to be rubbing other senior URP officials the wrong way, as they are opposed to it.

The issue of accountability, which was raised by Duale, appears to be a pretext to discredit the Bomet Governor and to pressurise him to abandon the referendum bid.