Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for the resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar, saying public officials accused of fuelling ethnic division should not remain in office.
Speaking during the burial of Pastor William Muthengi in Mumoni, Mwingi North, Kitui County, on Saturday, Kalonzo said leaders entrusted with public office must promote national unity rather than deepen political and ethnic divisions.
“They have no reason to claim to be public leaders. They aren’t. They have failed the test miserably,” Kalonzo said.
His remarks come as both Duale and Omar face criticism over separate public statements that have sparked debate about ethnic rhetoric in Kenya’s politics.
Kalonzo argued that the Kenya Kwanza administration had failed to uphold the principles of national cohesion. He said leaders whose words risk inflaming ethnic tensions should be held accountable and, where necessary, leave office.
The criticism follows comments made by Duale during a public event in Lafey Constituency. His remarks were widely interpreted by critics as disparaging towards the Mt Kenya community, prompting the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to open investigations into whether the statements breached laws against hate speech and incitement.
Duale has rejected accusations that his remarks were divisive.
In a statement issued on July 24, the Health Cabinet Secretary said his words had been quoted out of context to create what he described as a false narrative. He explained that the phrase, “Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib,” is a Somali proverb used to describe the difficulty of breaking long-established habits.
“It is a figurative expression about the difficulty of ending entrenched habits or long-enjoyed advantages. It was never directed at any community or intended to demean anyone,” Duale said.
The Cabinet Secretary has also ruled out issuing an apology, maintaining that his comments have been deliberately misrepresented.
Hassan Omar has also found himself at the centre of a similar controversy following remarks made in Mombasa on historical land injustices along the Coast. Some critics interpreted his comments as targeting the Kikuyu community.
Unlike Duale, Omar later expressed regret to those offended by his remarks. He said his intention had been to discuss unresolved land disputes rather than disparage any ethnic group.
The separate controversies have reignited concerns over the use of ethnic rhetoric in national politics, with political leaders and civil society groups urging public officials to exercise restraint and uphold constitutional values that promote national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The NCIC investigation into Duale’s remarks remains ongoing.
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