“I Was Misquoted”: Duale Responds as NCIC Investigates His Remarks

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has dismissed ethnic incitement claims after the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) launched an investigation into comments in Lafey Constituency.

Duale, who wrote on X that he ‘had been widely misquoted,’ claimed that his comments had been ‘taken out of context to propel false and misleading narratives’.

Speaking on the phrase at the center of the controversy, he said, ‘The phrase I used, ‘Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib,’ is a common Somali proverb that has been integral to our oral lore for ages’.

Duale also said that the statement was metaphorical and not aimed towards any community.

The CS stated that it “Was not targeted towards any community and was never meant to demean any community; however, it was about inclusion, togetherness and nationhood.”

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NCIC is Investigating Alleged Utterances by Duale

Duale also had a parting shot for some of his critics, who he claims have “multi-directional outrage, and remained silent” in the face of years of ugly media commentary about the Somali community.

In its own statement dated 24 July 2026, the NCIC said it received a complaint of alleged utterances made by Duale and had initiated an inquiry.

The commission said the investigations department of the commission was conducting “a comprehensive and neutral probe” into the incident.

NCIC also cautioned on divisive political language as the nation nears the 2027 General Election.

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Leaders and Citizens Urged to Avoid Divisive Rhetoric and Promote Tolerance

It called upon leaders to desist from divisive political rhetoric and appealed to citizens to be moderate and tolerant in their words and actions during the course of the inquiry.

However, the NCIC also added that any proven utterances of this kind would be in contravention of Article 33 of the Kenyan Constitution and provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

Duale added that his views are for a “united, equal society” and that he believes “Kenya is at its strongest when it works as one”.

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Duale Hits Back as NCIC Investigates Viral Remarks. Credits NCIC X