Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has vowed not to appear before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) unless former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is also summoned, deepening an increasingly bitter political confrontation over allegations of ethnic incitement.
The dispute centres on remarks Duale made in Somali during a public event in Lafey, Mandera County. The comments sparked criticism from some quarters, with opponents claiming they were divisive and directed at the Kikuyu community. Duale has firmly rejected those accusations, insisting his words were taken out of context.
“I have been widely misquoted, and my remarks delivered in La-fey Constituency have been taken out of context to advance false and misleading narratives,” Duale said.
He explained that the phrase at the centre of the controversy, “Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib” is a traditional Somali proverb used to describe how difficult it is to abandon long-established habits or privileges.
NCIC probe deepens political standoff
According to the Cabinet Secretary, his speech focused on national unity and equal opportunity in public service.
“My message was about the importance of embracing inclusivity as the government continues to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their region or ethnicity, have an opportunity to serve the nation,” he said.
Following complaints over the speech, the NCIC confirmed it had opened investigations.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said its Investigations Department was conducting an inquiry into the allegations.
“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission acknowledges receipt of a complaint regarding alleged utterances by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale. Our Investigations Department is conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the said utterances,” the commission said.
Speaking during a wedding ceremony in Garissa on Sunday, Duale challenged the commission to apply the law consistently, arguing that Gachagua should also be investigated over previous public statements.
“I want to tell the NCIC that the day you are going to summon Rigathi Gachagua is the day you are going to summon Aden Duale,” he said.
He added: “When the NCIC summons me, I must also be accompanied by Rigathi Gachagua. When I am accompanied by my lawyers, Gachagua should also have his. But one thing I will not do is go to the NCIC offices before Gachagua does.
Duale accuses Gachagua of fuelling ethnic politics
Duale accused the former Deputy President of repeatedly making remarks that, in his view, had fuelled ethnic division while targeting President William Ruto.
“If there is one person who has consistently spread hate speech in this country, it is Rigathi Gachagua. You do personal attacks on the personality and the character of the President,” he said.
He also claimed Gachagua had previously questioned the appointment of members of the Somali community to senior government positions, particularly within the security sector.
“You are the same person who questioned why people from the Somali community have been appointed to senior government positions,” Duale said.
The Health CS argued that Gachagua had often championed ethnic politics while criticising others for defending their own communities.
“You have on countless occasions stood on the podium bragging about your people. And when we now come out to defend our people, you are shouting from the rooftops and calling us names.”
The row intensified after Gachagua criticised Duale’s Lafey remarks while addressing supporters in Embu. Gachagua alleged that the Cabinet Secretary was acting as a political proxy for the government.
“Duale does not speak on his own. Such harsh political rhetoric is choreographed,” Gachagua said, claiming the remarks reflected a broader political strategy within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Focus shifts to Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign
As the dispute unfolded, Duale also shifted attention to the 2027 General Election, unveiling plans to rally support for President William Ruto across pastoralist counties.
He said the campaign would focus on increasing voter registration and ensuring eligible residents obtain national identity cards.
“We have already started aggressive campaigns to ensure all eligible voters register and that those without identity cards obtain the documents,” he said.
Duale said he was confident pastoralist communities could deliver at least five million votes for President Ruto’s re-election.
“We will mobilise our community according to our numbers to elect President William Ruto for a second term.”
He argued that the President had won the support of the Somali community through policies that expanded access to government services rather than through ethnic politics.
“We are not electing President Ruto because he is a Kalenjin, but because he has brought equality to all Kenyans more than any President before him, especially us Somalis,” Duale said.
He pointed to what he described as significant improvements in access to identity cards, birth certificates and passports for residents of northern Kenya, saying previous administrations had failed to address longstanding barriers.
The NCIC investigations remain ongoing, with the commission yet to announce whether any formal action will follow. Meanwhile, the exchange between Duale and Gachagua has become the latest flashpoint in Kenya’s increasingly charged political landscape as attention turns towards the 2027 elections.
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