Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has rejected a public debate challenge from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, stating he will only debate President William Ruto directly. This refusal comes after Duale challenged Gachagua to a televised debate on Citizen TV’s JKLive.

• Gachagua said he only wants to debate President Ruto, not his "employees," specifically targeting the Presidential Debate next year.
• The proposal for a debate originated from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during a youth empowerment event at Garissa High School on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
• President Ruto did not endorse Duale's challenge, advising against debating those who are seen as fools. The friction between Gachagua and Duale stems from Gachagua's previous remarks accusing Northern leaders of misusing devolution funds and the Kenya Kwanza government of sidelining the North Eastern region.