Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended himself against accusations of making ethnic remarks, insisting his statements were misinterpreted and taken out of context following the recent Ol Kalou by-election.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Friday, July 24, Duale said his remarks, delivered earlier in Lafey Constituency, had been “widely misquoted” to push what he termed as misleading narratives.
“I have been widely misquoted and my remarks… have been taken out of context to advance false and misleading narratives,” he stated.
Duale clarified that the controversial phrase, “Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib,” was a Somali proverb, not a political or ethnic attack.
According to the CS, the expression is commonly used within Somali oral tradition to describe the difficulty of abandoning entrenched habits or long-held advantages.
“It was never directed at any community or intended to demean anyone,” Duale explained.
He maintained that his message had been figurative, aimed at illustrating broader governance and political realities rather than targeting any specific group.
Defends Inclusivity Message
The CS further argued that his speech was anchored on inclusivity in government, noting that the administration remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all Kenyans regardless of background.
“My message was about the importance of embracing inclusivity… ensuring all Kenyans, regardless of their region or ethnicity, have an opportunity to serve the nation,” he said.
Duale dismissed claims of ethnic incitement as “dishonest” and a deliberate distortion, adding that critics had selectively interpreted his words.
Hits Back at Critics
In a pointed response, Duale also accused some leaders of selective outrage, claiming they had remained silent when the Somali community faced inflammatory remarks in the past.
“Public leaders should reject selective outrage and apply the same standards consistently,” he said.