Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has dismissed calls to apologise over remarks that have ignited public outrage and prompted a National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) probe.
Speaking at a fundraising event in Marsabit on July 25, 2026, Duale rejected accusations of hate speech, asserting that his comments were political critiques about government opportunity distribution rather than ethnic attacks. He stated, "I am not going to apologise for speaking my mind," emphasizing that criticism about access to government shares should not be misconstrued as divisive.
The controversy arose following Duale's comments that were widely shared and interpreted by critics as targeting specific communities. In response, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged residents of the Mt Kenya region not to direct their frustrations toward the Somali community, highlighting the strong business and social ties between the groups. He said, "It is Duale who has wronged us, not the Somali community."
The NCIC confirmed receiving a complaint about the CS's statements and announced it is conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.
Duale's remarks came shortly after the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where the Democracy for the Citizens Party candidate won, a result Duale downplayed by noting the seat was previously held by a Jubilee Party member, not the United Democratic Alliance.
Key Points
- Health CS Aden Duale refuses to apologise for controversial remarks
- NCIC launches investigation into alleged inflammatory comments
- Deputy President Gachagua calls for calm and warns against vilifying communities
- Remarks followed the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election results
