NAIROBI, Kenya- Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has refused to apologise over remarks that sparked accusations of ethnic profiling targeting the Kikuyu community, insisting that he stands by his statements.
Duale, speaking after backlash from political leaders and members of the public, said he had no intention of withdrawing his remarks and dismissed calls for an apology.
“I am not apologising about it,” Duale asserted, maintaining that his comments had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
The controversy follows remarks the CS made after the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where critics accused him of advancing an ethnic narrative by linking political outcomes to the Kikuyu community.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was among leaders who condemned Duale’s remarks, describing them as “deeply regrettable” and warning against reducing political disagreements to tribal prejudice. She demanded that the CS apologise to Kenyans.
Other leaders, including opposition figures, also criticised the remarks, arguing that ethnic-based rhetoric could undermine national unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, Duale defended his position, saying his remarks were not intended to attack any community. He argued that a phrase he used was a Somali proverb that had been misinterpreted and insisted that his message was about inclusivity and equal opportunities for all Kenyans.
“I have been widely misquoted and my remarks delivered in Lafey Constituency have been taken out of context to advance false and misleading narratives,” Duale said in his defence.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has opened investigations into the remarks following complaints from members of the public.
The commission said it would determine whether the statements breached laws governing hate speech and ethnic incitement.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders warning against rhetoric that could deepen ethnic divisions as political alliances continue shifting.