Respect for the Presidency: Aden Duale’s Call for Unity and Support

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale delivered a strong message to both elected leaders and the general public, emphasizing the importance of respecting the presidency. His comments come in the wake of ongoing criticisms directed at President William Ruto from various quarters. Speaking at the 47th graduation ceremony at Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County, Duale urged all leaders to support the President and work collectively to address the nation’s challenges.

Duale’s call for respect for the presidency is grounded in the belief that a leader’s ability to command respect is inherently linked to their own respect for established authority. He asserted that the presidency symbolizes national unity and, therefore, should be accorded the highest level of respect. According to Duale, any leader who holds a government position must avoid contradicting the President and must support his agenda diligently. “A decent and God-fearing leader must respect those in authority and more so the presidency,” Duale said. “Politicians abuse the president, and we’ve seen others abuse him. If you want to be respected by your family and everyone else, you must first show respect.”

Duale’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the Kenya Kwanza alliance, where some members have recently voiced dissenting opinions on various issues. The CS’s comments appear to be a direct response to these internal disagreements, urging unity and collective responsibility. He stressed that leaders should not use their positions to undermine the presidency or its initiatives. “You cannot hold a position in government and contradict saying it is the president alone to deliver,” Duale said. “Let all of us deliver to the people of Kenya.”

The CS also highlighted the broader context of Kenya’s challenges, emphasizing that these issues transcend political divides. He reminded both ruling and opposition politicians that the problems facing the country are shared responsibilities. The incorporation of opposition members into the government, he noted, was intended to foster a collaborative approach to problem-solving. “The problems of our country are not for the government or the Opposition alone. All of us in the ruling party and the opposition have one job, which is to solve the problems of Kenyans,” Duale stated.

Duale’s address underscores a critical moment for Kenyan politics as the country navigates its current political and economic landscape. By calling for unity and respect, Duale is attempting to reassert the importance of collective action in addressing national issues. His appeal to Kenya Kwanza leaders, in particular, serves as a reminder of the commitment made during the presidential campaign to support and implement the President’s manifesto.

The timing of Duale’s speech is notable, given the increasing political tensions and criticisms that have marked President Ruto’s tenure. His message comes as a clear directive to those within the Kenya Kwanza coalition to align with the President’s vision and avoid public discord. The emphasis on mutual respect and cooperation is seen as a strategy to mitigate internal conflicts and reinforce a unified front in the face of national challenges.

In conclusion, Aden Duale’s remarks are a call to action for both political leaders and citizens to respect the office of the presidency and to work together to address the pressing issues facing Kenya. His emphasis on unity, respect, and collective responsibility reflects a broader desire to stabilize the political environment and ensure that the country’s leadership remains focused on delivering for the people. As Kenya continues to grapple with its political and economic challenges, Duale’s call for respect and collaboration serves as a crucial reminder of the need for solidarity and shared commitment in the pursuit of national progress.