The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched investigations into claims of ethnic incitement involving Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale following remarks circulating on social media.

In a press statement issued on Friday, July 24, 2026, the Commission said it had received a complaint regarding the remarks and that its Investigations Department had begun a thorough and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding them.

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

The remarks surfaced in the aftermath of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election held on July 16, in which Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru defeated the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.

Videos of Duale’s comments circulated widely on social media, prompting public complaints to the Commission.

Speaking in Lafey, Mandera County on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Duale dismissed the opposition’s celebrations over the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying the constituency had not been held by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He noted that the late area MP had been elected on a Jubilee Party ticket, making it inaccurate to portray the outcome as a defeat for President William Ruto’s party.

“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 questioned why opposition leaders were celebrating the outcome, adding, “Haikuwa kiti ya UDA… Alafu wewe unaruka ruka kama umeshinda mtu, umeshinda Uhuru Kenyatta.”

He also urged leaders to avoid returning the country to divisive politics, saying, “That game, Hon. Wetang’ula knows it. We played that game in 2007. We are going to unite the people of Kenya, those who believe in the unity of our nation.”

Public urged to report divisive rhetoric

NCIC commended members of the public who reported the matter and encouraged Kenyans to continue reporting incidents 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 that preventing inflammatory public statements is a collective responsibility.

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

NCIC reiterated that Kenya belongs to all communities and warned that remarks found to breach the law could violate Article 33 of the Constitution and Sections 13 and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008.

The Commission also urged leaders across the political divide to exercise responsibility in their public statements as investigations continue.

Call for unity ahead of 2027 polls

NCIC said leaders have a responsibility to promote national unity, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

“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 Commission further called on leaders to embrace responsible leadership and avoid statements that could undermine cohesion.

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

NCIC said it remains committed to safeguarding peace and national cohesion before, during and after the elections.

Commission pledges impartial investigations

The Commission said it would continue carrying out its constitutional mandate without fear or favour.

“As an institution mandated to safeguard peace and cohesion, NCIC underscores its unwavering role in ensuring that Kenyans remain united, both ahead of and beyond the forthcoming elections.”

The Commission said it will continue to act firmly, decisively and impartially against conduct that threatens national unity and cohesion while urging Kenyans to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace.

The statement was signed by NCIC Chairman Bishop Kepha Nyamweya Omae.