Kabando Wa Kabando warns Duale against tribal remarks
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 18, 2025Former Member of Parliament Kabando Wa Kabando has warned Kenyan leaders against letting ethnicity influence political decisions, stressing that such attitudes threaten national unity.
Kabando, who served in Parliament for two terms from 2008 to 2017, reflected on his past interactions with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, praising his political skills but cautioning against his ethnic bias.
In a series of social media posts on Sunday, August 18, 2025, Kabando recounted that while he found Duale industrious and loyal, he observed instances where Duale’s actions showed a lack of ethnic tolerance.
He recalled receiving “tribally toxic” messages from Duale in 2016, following disagreements over the NYS scandal.
“I hailed Aden Duale as an effective majority leader. He’s good. I’ve also said he suffers chronic majoritarian phobia; addicted to ethnic profiling,” Kabando wrote.
He added that on February 26, 2016, Duale texted him in a way that he described as “tribally toxic” after Kabando criticised the NYS looters.
Kabando further recounted that on March 30, 2016, Duale angrily sent him another message after Kabando and colleagues met independently to lobby for a parliamentary committee.
“Even as Duale and his bosom buddy Ruto railed at me over NYS scam fights, they later, with Murkomen, turned their guns on key suspects… Sometimes, to disagree is worth. Truth triumphs,” Kabando said.
Kabando urges ethnic unity
Despite the tensions, Kabando emphasised that Duale remains a capable and reliable ally.
“CS Duale can be a very strong and reliable ally, as he was when with Raila in ODM, then with Ruto to date. He’s, in all aspects, the closest Ruto confidante,” he added.
Kabando used the opportunity to urge politicians to rise above ethnic politics.
“Dear my Rafiki, CS Aden Duale… don’t mess more. Soon, Ruto is heading Sugoi. We’re around!” he said.
His warnings echo recent concerns by other leaders, including former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who criticised political rhetoric that unfairly targets communities.
“Do not drive our backs against the wall, a point of no return may lead to unintended consequences,” Kuria said.
Kabando’s reflections serve as a reminder that while political disagreements are normal, prioritising national cohesion over ethnic bias is crucial for Kenya’s stability.