I will not go to NCIC offices before Gachagua does; Duale
I will not go to NCIC offices before Gachagua does; Duale
Duale has declared that he will only honour any future summons from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) if the commission also compels Gachagua to appear before it.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Duale in his native Somali language during the Lafey event.
The remarks were criticised by some, who interpreted them as divisive and directed at the Kikuyu community.
Duale, however, dismissed the allegations, saying his remarks had been taken out of context and deliberately misrepresented.
“I have been widely misquoted, and my remarks delivered in Lafey Constituency have been taken out of context to advance false and misleading narratives,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary explained that the phrase at the centre of the controversy—”Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib”—is a well-known Somali proverb that has long been part of the community’s oral tradition.
“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,” Duale said.
According to the CS, his speech focused on inclusivity and the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of their ethnicity or region, have an equal opportunity to serve the country.
“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.
Following public outcry and complaints lodged with the NCIC, Gachagua intensified his criticism while addressing supporters in Embu, accusing Duale of acting as a political messenger of government.
“Duale does not speak on his own. Such harsh political rhetoric is choreographed,” Gachagua claimed.
He further alleged that Duale’s remarks reflected a broader political strategy by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Former Citizen TV Journalist Willis Raburu issues update after an accident
Kindiki sends Kiraitu Murungi to hold talks with Former President Uhuru Kenyatta
Teacher linked to murder of prison warder found dead in Baringo
The NCIC subsequently announced that it had opened investigations into the remarks.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said its Investigations Department had launched an inquiry into the allegations.
“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission acknowledges receipt of a complaint regarding alleged utterances by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale. Our Investigations Department is conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the said utterances,” the commission said.
However, speaking during a wedding ceremony at a hotel in Garissa on Sunday, Duale struck a defiant tone. He accused the former Deputy President of promoting ethnic division while questioning the commission’s consistency in enforcing the law.
“I want to tell the NCIC that the day you are going to summon Rigathi Gachagua is the day you are going to summon Aden Duale,” Duale said.
He maintained that he would not appear before the commission ahead of Gachagua.
“When the NCIC summons me, I must also be accompanied by Rigathi Gachagua. When I am accompanied by my lawyers, Gachagua should also have his. But one thing I will not do is go to the NCIC offices before Gachagua does,” he said.
Duale accused Gachagua of consistently making statements that he claimed had deepened ethnic divisions in the country.
“If there is one person who has consistently spread hate speech in this country, it is Rigathi Gachagua. You do personal attacks on the personality and the character of the President,” Duale said.
Uganda nominates candidate for UN Secretary-General position
Sharon Otieno’s mother breaks silence after conviction of Obado and co-accused
US deports former NFL linebacker Daniel Adongo to Kenya
DCP opens registration for 2027 aspirants, releases registration fees
