Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has sharply criticised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over remarks linked to the recent Ol Kalou by-election, terming them “deeply regrettable” and warning against ethnic profiling in national politics.
Waiguru accused Duale of reducing a complex political outcome to tribal considerations, saying such rhetoric risks deepening divisions at a sensitive political moment.
The by-election, widely viewed as a litmus test for shifting alliances, has triggered intense debate across the political divide.
“The ethnic profiling remarks made by CS Aden Duale in response to the Ol Kalou by-election are deeply regrettable. It is both overly simplistic and dangerous to reduce the government’s political challenges to tribal prejudice,” Waiguru said.
She defended the Kikuyu community, noting its historical support for the current administration, and cautioned leaders against framing electoral outcomes through an ethnic lens.
“Especially when this very Kikuyu community stood with us so overwhelmingly in the past,” she added.
Waiguru further challenged Duale to take responsibility for his remarks, pointing to his senior role in government and long experience in public service.
“Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, given your stature and long experience in politics, such utterances are wholly unacceptable. An apology is not only necessary, it is owed to the people of Kenya,” she stated.
The governor’s response adds to growing pressure on the Health CS following backlash from sections of leaders who have warned against the re-emergence of divisive political messaging.
Critics argue that attributing electoral outcomes to ethnic blocs undermines democratic discourse and shifts focus away from policy and governance issues.
The Ol Kalou by-election has emerged as a politically charged contest, with competing factions interpreting the results as a signal of evolving voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Waiguru urged restraint among political leaders as the country moves closer to the next polls, emphasising the need for unity and responsible leadership.
“As we move toward the General Election, let us embrace responsibility and sobriety in our words and actions. Kenya belongs to all of us, Kikuyus included, and our unity must never be undermined by careless rhetoric,” she said.