Duale Faces Senate Criticism
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has faced criticism in the Senate. The remarks were linked to a viral video.
Senators said the comments could inflame ethnic tensions. The issue was raised during Thursday’s sitting. Both sides of the Senate were represented in the criticism. The debate came as Kenya moves towards the 2027 election.
Warnings Over Tribal Politics
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina urged leaders to be cautious. He said communities should not be compared. He warned that such remarks could reopen old wounds. The 2007-08 post-election violence was cited as a painful reminder.
“We should avoid such,” Ole Kina told the Senate.
He also called for an end to tribal politics. Leaders were urged to promote national unity.
“Younger generations” should not be encouraged to view each other through a tribal lens, he said.
Wambua Raises Alarm
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua also criticised the remarks. He said public officials must show restraint. He warned that Kenya could be heading towards dangerous ground.
The alleged reference to one community as “hyenas” was also raised. Wambua rejected the characterisation. He said all communities were equal citizens. He also recalled the violence that followed the 2007 election.
Haji Calls Remarks Wrong
Garissa Senator Abdul Haji said he had watched the clip. It had been shared with him by Senator Wambua. Haji described its contents as disturbing. He said leaders should avoid language that could create division.
“Ordinarily, I should be standing to support the CS for Health,” Haji said. “But in this point, if he did make those utterances, I have listened to the clip. It is wrong.”
His comments added to the criticism in the chamber.
Speaker Stops Further Debate
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi then halted the discussion. He reminded senators that parliamentary rules must be followed. A Cabinet Secretary’s conduct could not be debated without a substantive motion.
“Kindly file a motion and pursue it as required by law,” Kingi directed.
The matter was therefore not debated further during the sitting.
What the Video Shows
The criticism followed a widely shared video. Duale is alleged to have compared the Somali and Kikuyu communities. The video also appeared to address the history of Somali communities under past governments. Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta were mentioned.
Duale was also heard crediting President William Ruto with ending what he described as past discrimination. The remarks have since drawn scrutiny from lawmakers. However, the full context of the video was not established during the Senate exchange.
Duale’s response to the criticism was not included in the debate. The episode has renewed calls for restraint in political speech. With the 2027 election approaching, the issue of ethnic rhetoric is likely to remain sensitive.
For now, any formal parliamentary action would require a substantive motion to be filed.
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