Dadaab MP accuses Duale of interfering in Northeastern politics, warns that residents could petition President William Ruto to remove him from Cabinet.
By Abdimalik Hajir . Asal Post Correspondent
DADAAB, Kenya, August 20, 2026 – Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim has issued a stern warning to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over what he described as continued interference in political affairs across the Northeastern region.
Speaking during a political engagement by a section of the Aulihan community in support of Garissa gubernatorial aspirant Abdul Haji, Maalim claimed that residents could mobilise and petition President William Ruto to remove Duale from his Cabinet position if he continued involving himself in other people’s political affairs.
Maalim, speaking in Somali, said some people close to Duale had allegedly nicknamed him “Sultan Hasid” (Jealous Sultan) because of what he described as persistent disruption and interference in regional political affairs.
“We are not the ones who nicknamed you Sultan Hasid. It is not the people of Wajir or Mandera, but people close to you. We are not jealous like him because if we start lobbying, it won’t take 14 days to have you removed from that position,” Maalim said.
The veteran politician argued that President Ruto would be unlikely to side with one individual against a large section of the electorate, particularly as the President seeks to maintain political support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Maalim accused Duale of “poking his nose” into political affairs across the region, warning him against pushing the situation further.
“Please go slow. You are a young man. We have hesitated so many times to shield you, but if you continue, we will not shield you anymore,” the Dadaab lawmaker warned.
He further urged the Health CS to focus on his Cabinet responsibilities and avoid unnecessary political confrontations.
“Stay quiet, enjoy the little benefit you have. We have no problems. We are happy that we have got a Cabinet position, but this thing of poking everywhere we can’t accept it,” he added.
Maalim backs Abdul Haji
Maalim also called for greater political unity among the Somali community and the wider Northeastern region, while throwing his weight behind Abdul Haji’s gubernatorial bid in Garissa.
The Dadaab MP said the Aulihan community was determined to support a united political direction and warned that individuals opposed to Abdul Haji’s gubernatorial ambitions should expect strong political resistance.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Northeastern Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, with various leaders and communities increasingly aligning themselves with preferred candidates and political formations.
Duale faces growing political pressure
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has recently faced criticism from some political actors in Northeastern Kenya over allegations of involvement in regional political realignments.
Nationally, Duale has also attracted scrutiny after being summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over alleged remarks concerning the Kikuyu community.
Duale has previously maintained a prominent political presence in the region, having served as a long-time Member of Parliament for Garissa Township before his appointment to the Cabinet.
The latest confrontation signals growing political tensions within the region as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
