Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has publicly challenged Health CS Aden Duale to apologise for remarks perceived as offensive to the Kikuyu community. The comments, which sparked widespread condemnation, have raised concerns about escalating ethnic tensions in Kenya.
Controversial Remarks by Aden Duale
A video circulating on social media shows Duale allegedly comparing the Somali and Kikuyu communities in terms of population and recounting historical discrimination against Somalis during the presidencies of Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta. In the same footage, Duale reportedly referred to the Kikuyu community as "hyenas," a label interpreted as implying greed.
Despite the backlash, Duale has refused to apologise. Instead, he called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to summon both himself and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged tribal remarks made by the latter.
Alice Wahome's Response
Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Wahome condemned Duale's refusal to retract his statements. She argued that justifying offensive remarks because others have made worse comments is unacceptable. Wahome wrote, "Two wrongs don't make a right, and only a fool does not change his/her mind. You should withdraw your remarks and apologise profusely."
Her intervention has reignited debate about the role of senior government officials in fostering ethnic harmony, especially given Kenya's history of post-election violence linked to ethnic divisions.
Broader Political Reactions
- Several senators have criticized Duale's remarks, warning they risk pushing the country toward dangerous ethnic fault lines.
- The comparison to past ethnic tensions, notably around the 2007 General Election violence, has intensified calls for responsible leadership in managing ethnic relations.
