Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended remarks he made following the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying they have been widely misquoted and taken out of context, even as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) launched investigations into complaints arising from the comments.

In a statement shared on his official social media accounts on Friday, July 24, 2026, Duale maintained that the phrase at the centre of the controversy was a common Somali proverb and not a statement directed at any community.

“I have been widely misquoted and my remarks delivered in Lafey Constituency have been taken out of context to advance false and misleading narratives,” Duale said.

He explained that the phrase, “Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib,” is a well-known expression in Somali oral tradition that refers to the difficulty of ending entrenched habits or long-enjoyed advantages.

“It was never directed at any community or intended to demean anyone,” he said.

Duale explains remarks after Ol Kalou by-election

The Health CS said his remarks were intended to emphasise inclusivity as the government continues to create opportunities for Kenyans from all parts of the country.

“My message was about the importance of embracing inclusivity as the Government continues to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their region or ethnicity, have an opportunity to serve the nation,” he said.

Duale added that attempts to portray his remarks as ethnic incitement were “dishonest and a deliberate distortion” of what he had said.

He also expressed concern over what he described as selective criticism, saying some leaders who had condemned his remarks had remained silent when inflammatory statements targeting the Somali community were made in the past.

“Kenya’s strength lies in its diversity. My commitment remains to national unity, peaceful coexistence and equal opportunity for every Kenyan, without exception,” he said.

The remarks originated from a political meeting in Lafey, Mandera County, on Tuesday, July 21, where Duale commented on the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

He said the seat had not belonged to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), noting that the late Member of Parliament had been elected on a Jubilee Party ticket.

“Ol Kalou was not even our constituency. The former Member of Parliament who passed on was a Jubilee candidate. It was not a UDA seat,” Duale said.

He also questioned opposition celebrations over the outcome, saying: “Haikuwa kiti ya UDA… Alafu wewe unaruka ruka kama umeshinda mtu, umeshinda Uhuru Kenyatta.”

NCIC begins investigations

The comments sparked public debate after videos circulated widely on social media, prompting complaints to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 24, 2026, the Commission confirmed that it had opened investigations into the matter.

“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) acknowledges receipt of a complaint regarding alleged utterances by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale. Our Investigations Department is conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the said utterances,” the Commission said.

NCIC said it welcomed members of the public who had reported the matter and encouraged Kenyans to continue reporting cases involving divisive political rhetoric and ethnic profiling.

“The Commission applauds the members of the public who have come forth to report this, among other incidents. We encourage the public to continue to collaborate with the Commission, and bring such cases of divisive political rhetoric and ethnic profiling forward, so that necessary action is taken.”

The Commission added: “We cannot afford to watch this country slide into anarchy, especially through utterances that divide communities.”

Commission calls for restraint ahead of 2027 polls

NCIC reiterated that Kenya belongs to all communities and reminded leaders of their responsibility to safeguard national cohesion as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.

The Commission said statements found to contravene the law could fall under Article 33 of the Constitution and Sections 13 and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008.

It urged political leaders to avoid divisive rhetoric and called on members of the public to exercise restraint while investigations continue.

“We urge all leaders, without exception, to desist from divisive political rhetoric, and calls upon members of the public to exercise restraint and tolerance as investigations proceed,” the statement said.

NCIC further stated that “Leadership at every level carries a solemn duty to safeguard, rather than imperil, the unity of this nation.”

The Commission said it would continue to act firmly, decisively and impartially against conduct that threatens national unity and cohesion while encouraging Kenyans to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace ahead of the next General Election.