Duale Declines to Apologise Over Controversial Lafey Remarks

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said he will not apologise for remarks he made in Lafey Constituency, despite criticism and an investigation by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

Speaking on Saturday, 25 July, Duale said his comments had been misunderstood and rejected calls to withdraw them. Addressing supporters, he said: “Na msijali hio maneno mnaona kwa social media, I am not going to apologise… hakuna hate speech mbaya kushinda mtu akisema, wewe huna shares kwa hii serikali huwezi kupata kazi.” 

He argued that there was no worse form of hate speech than telling people they could not get government jobs because they did not have a stake in the administration. The dispute followed remarks Duale made at a public gathering in Lafey, which some critics said contained ethnic undertones. 

In a statement issued the previous day, he said a Somali proverb he used — “Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib” — was intended as a figurative expression rather than a derogatory remark. He said the proverb referred to deeply rooted habits and was not directed at any community.

Duale said his message was intended to promote inclusion in government and equal opportunities for all Kenyans, regardless of their background. He rejected claims that he had incited ethnic division, describing the accusations as dishonest misrepresentations of his remarks.

He also criticised what he described as selective condemnation, arguing that inflammatory comments directed at the Somali community had often gone without similar scrutiny. The NCIC confirmed on 24 July that it had opened an investigation after receiving public complaints. 

The Commission said its Investigations Department would conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry and encouraged members of the public to continue reporting statements that could undermine national cohesion. In its statement, the Commission said it would address any breaches of the Constitution and the National Cohesion and Integration Act. It added that it could not allow divisive remarks to threaten national unity.

The NCIC also reminded political leaders of their responsibility to promote cohesion as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election. It warned that divisive rhetoric could undermine national unity during a critical period.

Duale maintained that his remarks had been taken out of context, while the NCIC said it would determine whether they breached the law.