Karua slams Duale over alleged inflammatory remarks, warns youth against political violence

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has castigated Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over his anti-Kikuyu remarks, which she described as inciting ethnic divisions.

Speaking in Nakuru after a closed-door meeting with grassroots leaders allied to the party, Karua termed CS Duale’s comments as reckless.

"If there is something that Duale said which does not make sense, I am not going to amplify it," she stated.

Karua further urged the youth across the country not to allow themselves to be recruited as goons by selfish politicians.

"I appeal to the young people in this country: do not agree to be misused to go and fight proxy wars. We don’t have to fight to do our politics; everybody has their votes in their pockets and I cannot raid your pockets to get your votes. I can only persuade you so that tomorrow when elections are called, you give me your vote," she added.

"Let us adopt peaceful campaigns and let the government of the day stop abusing our resources to campaign for itself. Stop employing violence."

Karua’s remarks follow similar criticisms by leaders towards CS Duale over his sentiments early in the week.

The controversy stems from a video recorded during a public event in Lafey Constituency, Mandera County, last Tuesday.

In the footage, Duale, speaking in Somali, praises the Kenya Kwanza administration for restoring what he describes as the dignity of the Somali community through the issuance of national identity cards and the rollout of development projects across the North Eastern region.

He then makes remarks appearing to target the Kikuyu community, claiming they believed "no one else should live in Kenya" before likening them to hyenas.

He also criticised the administrations of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing them of neglecting the North Eastern region and denying many residents national identity cards.

The remarks triggered a political storm, drawing condemnation from leaders across the political divide.

Duale, in his defence, said he was taken out of context and explained that the phrase "Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib," - translated as a reference to a hyena - was a well-known Somali proverb and not an attack on any community.

"It is a figurative expression about the difficulty of ending entrenched habits or long-enjoyed advantages. It was never directed at any community or intended to demean anyone," he said.

According to Duale, his remarks were intended to underscore the government's commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

"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.

He termed allegations of ethnic incitement "dishonest and a deliberate distortion" of his remarks, while maintaining that his commitment remains to national unity, peaceful coexistence and equal opportunity for all Kenyans.