Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has denied claims that he made remarks that promote ethnic division.

He said his comments during a meeting in Lafey Constituency were taken out of context and misquoted to create a false impression about what he meant.

In a statement on his social media, Duale explained that the phrase in question, “Waraabe la-tagis bartay, ka-ridis waa ku dhib”, is a well-known Somali proverb deeply rooted in oral tradition, used figuratively to describe the difficulty of breaking entrenched habits or ending long-enjoyed advantages.

“It was never directed at any community or intended to demean anyone,” he said.

He said his broader message had been about the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of their region or ethnicity, have equal opportunities to serve the nation.

“Attempts to portray my remarks as ethnic incitement are therefore dishonest and a deliberate distortion of what I said,” he stated.

Duale also pushed back at those leading the criticism, saying he found it regrettable that some of the voices now expressing outrage had stayed 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.

He reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and equal opportunity.

“Kenya’s strength lies in its diversity. My commitment remains to national unity, peaceful coexistence and equal opportunity for every Kenyan, without exception,” he said.