Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended remarks he made during a public event in Lafey Constituency, saying they have been widely misquoted and deliberately taken out of context to create what he described as false and misleading narratives.
In a statement issued on Friday, Duale said a Somali proverb he used during his speech was a common figurative expression and was never intended to target or demean any community.
The Cabinet Secretary explained that the phrase, “Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib,” is a long-standing Somali proverb that refers to the difficulty of abandoning deeply entrenched habits or long-enjoyed advantages.
“It was never directed at any community or intended to demean anyone,” Duale said.
According to the CS, his remarks were intended to underscore the importance of inclusivity as the Government continues to provide equal opportunities for all Kenyans to serve the country, regardless of their ethnicity or region.
“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 dismissed claims that his remarks amounted to ethnic incitement, saying such interpretations were dishonest and amounted to a deliberate distortion of the context and intent of his speech.
He also accused some of his critics of applying double standards, arguing that they had remained silent when inflammatory remarks targeting the Somali community were made in the past.
“I also find it regrettable that some of those now expressing outrage remained silent when inflammatory remarks targeting the Somali community were made in the past. Public leaders should reject selective outrage and apply the same standards consistently,” he said.
The Health CS reaffirmed his commitment to national cohesion, saying Kenya’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
“My commitment remains to national unity, peaceful coexistence and equal opportunity for every Kenyan, without exception,” Duale said.
His clarification follows criticism from some quarters over the interpretation of his remarks made during a public gathering in Lafey, Mandera County, with some alleging that the comments carried ethnic undertones.
Duale has rejected those claims, insisting his words have been misconstrued.
