By Fareed Mohammed
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended his recent remarks amid mounting criticism, insisting he will not apologise and accusing the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) of selectively targeting government officials while overlooking alleged inflammatory statements by opposition leaders.
Speaking at a public gathering attended by community leaders, Duale argued that the commission should first take action against opposition politicians he accused of making tribal remarks before summoning members of the government.
“Siku ile mimi ntaenda kwa NCIC, lazima tuandamane na Rigathi Gachagua. Kama ni mtu ameongea hate speech, number one Kenya ni Rigathi Gachagua. And I am not apologetic about it,” Duale said.
The Cabinet Secretary accused the NCIC of applying double standards, claiming former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua should also be investigated over his public statements.
Duale further referenced remarks he attributed to Gachagua following President William Ruto’s meeting with leaders from the North Eastern region.
“Wakati Ruto alikutana na sisi, viongozi wa North Eastern na wakazi wa Mandera, wewe ulisema Rais amekutana na Al-Shabaab,” he said.
The Health CS maintained that his comments had been taken out of context and reiterated that all leaders should be treated equally under the law.
He said he was ready to cooperate with any investigations but insisted that accountability should apply fairly to both government and opposition leaders.