Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has refuted claims that he made ethnically charged remarks against the Kikuyu community during a public event in Mandera County. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched an investigation following complaints about the comments.
NCIC Investigation Launched
The NCIC confirmed it is conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry into the statements attributed to Duale, which have circulated widely on social media. The commission urged the public to report any divisive rhetoric and warned that such utterances could violate the Constitution and the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
Context of the Remarks
The controversy arose from a video recorded in Lafey Constituency, where Duale praised the Kenya Kwanza administration's efforts to restore dignity to the Somali community through national ID issuance and development projects in the North Eastern region. However, he made remarks perceived as targeting the Kikuyu community, alleging their historical exclusionary attitudes and likening them to hyenas.
Political Reactions
- Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru condemned the comments, calling for an unconditional apology and warning against reducing political issues to tribal prejudice.
- Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga accused Duale of disparaging the Kikuyu community and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- The Senate paused its proceedings to denounce the remarks, with several senators demanding an apology and urging restraint to avoid ethnic tensions.
Duale’s Defense
Duale stated his words were taken out of context and misquoted. He explained that the phrase likening people to hyenas is a Somali proverb about entrenched habits, not an ethnic insult. He emphasized that his message was about promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity for all Kenyans regardless of ethnicity or region.
The Cabinet Secretary described the accusations as dishonest distortions and reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence.
