Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a vigorous campaign to register voters and national identity cards across northern Kenya's pastoralist communities, aiming to transform the region into a decisive political force in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a fundraising event in Afwein, Lagdera Sub-county, on August 1, 2026, Duale emphasized that pastoralists will no longer be sidelined in national politics. The former Garissa Township MP highlighted efforts by local leaders to mobilize eligible voters to ensure the region's significant population—estimated at nearly five million—exerts influence through the ballot.
Backing President Ruto’s Fair Development
Duale, the sole Cabinet Secretary from the Somali community, reaffirmed strong support for President William Ruto, citing his equitable development initiatives across Kenya. He dismissed calls for regional leaders to apologize for their endorsement, stating:
“The President has shown through actions, not words, his commitment to fairness in development. Our pledge to support his re-election is grounded in this record.”
He further declared that during the 2027 elections, pastoralist areas will be among the first to cast votes, signaling their active participation.
Addressing Political Rivalries
In a pointed critique, Duale challenged recent efforts by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to court North Eastern politicians and voters. He described Gachagua’s associates as lacking genuine representation of the region and disputed claims about infrastructural neglect in Garissa.
The political tension follows Gachagua’s accusations against Duale and Eldas MP Adan Keynan for insufficiently advancing the region’s development despite their long tenure in leadership.
Duale’s remarks underscore the growing political mobilization in pastoralist areas and the strategic importance of their votes in shaping Kenya’s leadership landscape in 2027.
