NAIROBI, Kenya – Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has publicly urged Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to withdraw his controversial remarks about the Kikuyu community and issue an immediate apology.
In a statement released on her social media platforms on Sunday, July 26, Wahome said the argument that other leaders had previously made offensive statements could not justify Duale’s remarks.
She faulted the Health CS for refusing to apologise despite mounting criticism, insisting that leadership demands accountability and the willingness to admit mistakes.
“Your recent remarks against the Kikuyu community have brought out the worst in you,” Wahome said. “Two wrongs don’t make a right, and only a fool does not change his or her mind. You should withdraw your remarks and apologise profusely.”
Wahome’s remarks come amid growing political pressure on Duale following comments that have sparked condemnation from leaders across the political divide and attracted the attention of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The commission has launched investigations into the statements as alleged hate speech, with concerns rising over inflammatory political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Garissa on Sunday, Duale remained defiant, maintaining that he would not apologise for the remarks.
Instead, he challenged the NCIC to also summon former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing the commission of selectively targeting government officials while ignoring similar statements by opposition leaders.
“The day I will go to NCIC, I must go with Gachagua. I will come with my lawyers and he with his. If there is anyone with the number one Kenyan hate speech, it is Gachagua, and I am not sorry about it,” Duale said.
The Health CS insisted his remarks had been taken out of context and reiterated that he had no intention of apologising.
His position has intensified calls from opposition leaders, who are now demanding that President William Ruto dismiss Duale from the Cabinet if he refuses to apologise or voluntarily step aside.
The controversy has renewed debate over ethnic rhetoric in Kenyan politics, with leaders urging restraint as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.