Muturi calls out Duale over ethnic remarks, demands NCIC action
By Wanjira Wachira, July 25, 2026Democratic Party (DP) leader and former Attorney General Justin Muturi has reignited debate over ethnic politics and Mt Kenya’s political direction after accusing Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of making divisive remarks.
Speaking during the launch of a Democratic Party (DP) office in Nanyuki on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Muturi accused Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of promoting ethnic politics through remarks he made in Mandera and called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate the Cabinet Secretary over what he described as inflammatory statements.
Muturi, whose Democratic Party was founded by the late former President Mwai Kibaki and is symbolised by the iconic “Taa” (Lantern), also renewed his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, saying Kenyans had already made up their minds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Kasongo, sisi tumeamua. Wakenya wameamua. Hapa Nanyuki mumeambiwa wazi. Wakenya wameamua,” Muturi told supporters.
Muturi responds to Duale’s Mandera remarks
Muturi’s comments followed remarks made by Duale during a political rally in Lafey, Mandera County, earlier this week. The Health Cabinet Secretary criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his reaction to the opposition’s victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
During the rally, Duale argued that the Ol Kalou contest was between the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and the Jubilee Party – not Kenya Kwanza. He accused Gachagua of promoting tribal politics, saying that if the former Deputy President wished to champion ethnic-based politics, he should return to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Duale also dismissed attempts by the opposition to portray the by-election outcome as a referendum on President Ruto’s administration, insisting that Kenya Kwanza remained firmly in control politically.
However, Muturi accused the Cabinet Secretary of unfairly targeting both Gachagua and the Kikuyu community.
“Ametukana Rigathi akasema ati Rigathi ni mkabila, na kama anataka aende akaangalie mkabila mwenzake Uhuru Kenyatta,” Muturi said.
He added:
“Wewe Aden Duale… hii jamii ndiyo imeingiza mtu anaitwa William Ruto kwa kiti cha urais.”
Muturi argued that political leaders should refrain from making statements that could divide communities, saying leaders have a responsibility to promote national unity.
Defends Uhuru Kenyatta and calls for NCIC action
The DP leader also defended retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, reminding Duale that he served as Majority Leader during Uhuru’s administration.
“Aden Duale, Uhuru Kenyatta alipofanya wewe ukawa Majority Leader katika Bunge la Taifa… hatukusikia ukisema umepewa kazi na mkabila,” Muturi said.
He questioned why Duale was now criticising the retired president despite having benefited politically during his tenure.
“Mtu aliyekupatia kazi… huna aibu?” he posed.
Muturi further argued that political differences should not erase the contributions leaders have made to one another’s careers.
The former Attorney General challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to apply the law fairly, saying all leaders should be held to the same standard regardless of political affiliation.
“Na mimi nataka kutangaza hii kwa NCIC… kama hamtamuita Duale, basi hata nyinyi mtaenda nyumbani pamoja na Kasongo. Lazima kila mtu awajibike.”
Muturi warned that the opposition would continue demanding accountability if institutions failed to act against leaders accused of making divisive political statements.
Duale has since defended his comments, maintaining that they were taken out of context and insisting that he neither insulted the Kikuyu community nor intended to promote ethnic division.
The Cabinet Secretary has maintained that his criticism was directed at what he described as ethnic-based politics rather than any particular community, and dismissed claims that his remarks amounted to hate speech.
Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission has acknowledged receiving complaints regarding the Mandera speech and has indicated it is reviewing the matter in accordance with its mandate.
The exchange is the latest in an escalating political rivalry between leaders allied to President William Ruto and the opposition, particularly over influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region following the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The by-election has intensified the political contest between Kenya Kwanza and opposition leaders, with each side seeking to frame the outcome as evidence of growing public support ahead of the 2027 General Election. While the opposition has portrayed the result as a sign of shifting political loyalties, government leaders have maintained that it does not reflect the national political landscape.
As political alignments continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, the battle for the Mt Kenya vote—and the language used by political leaders on the campaign trail—is expected to remain a defining feature of Kenya’s political discourse.
However, Duale has defended his remarks, saying they were widely misquoted and taken out of context. The Cabinet Secretary maintained that the comments were not directed at any community, but were intended to highlight the need for inclusivity as the government continues to provide opportunities for all Kenyans.
Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched investigations into complaints arising from the remarks, saying it is conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry into the matter.