Health CS Aden Duale’s claim of Muslim deaths under Uhuru Kenyatta and Matiang’i sparked controversy after former CS Fred Matiang’i’s 2027 candidacy. Duale claims that no Kenyan Muslim voters in 2027 will vote for Matiangi.
In Duale Garissa’s speech, he says there were Kenya counter-terrorism abuses also accompanying the Matiang’i River Yala killings under Uhuru and Matiang’i in the Jubilee Party reign, destroying former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale ignited controversy after claiming that “the highest number of Muslims were killed” during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, specifically under former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Speaking in Garissa, Duale, a key ally of President William Ruto, asserted that Kenya’s Muslim community would not support Matiang’i’s 2027 presidential bid due to these alleged deaths.
The inflammatory remarks, lacking specific evidence, have fuelled tensions, with critics labelling them a divisive tactic to undermine Matiang’i’s candidacy in a volatile political climate.
Duale’s statement targets Matiang’i’s tenure as Interior CS (2017–2022), a period marked by aggressive counter-terrorism operations against al-Shabab in regions like Garissa and Lamu.
These efforts, including post-Westgate (2013) and Garissa University (2015) attack responses, were praised for enhancing security but criticised for alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses.
CS Duale: "The highest number of Muslims were killed during the presidency of Uhuru Kenyatta and Matiang'i when he was serving as minister for Interior." pic.twitter.com/hxokkSYVYK
— Kulan Post (@kulanpost) July 4, 2025
Matiang’i, who confirmed his 2027 presidential run on Citizen TV (July 1, 2025), rejected being Kenyatta’s “project” and called for an inquest into incidents like the River Yala killings, among others, to clear his name.
His candidacy, backed by Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party, has drawn support from opposition figures like Kalonzo Musyoka, but Duale’s remarks aim to erode his appeal among Muslim voters in key regions like Mombasa and North Eastern.
The controversy comes as Kenya braces for Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025, with Gen Z and opposition groups decrying Ruto’s governance, including alleged abductions and protest crackdowns.
