Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has condemned what he termed rising tribal hate and divisive politics, saying Kenya’s democratic gains will not be reversed by leaders promoting ethnic hostility.
CS Duale said the country’s progress under the leadership of William Ruto must be protected from individuals seeking to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.
“The democratic gains we have made, strengthened by the inclusive vision of H.E President William Samoei Ruto, will not be undone by those who trade in tribal hate and division,” he said.
The CS spoke following the death of Rachael Wandeto, a young woman whose killing has triggered national debate over political intolerance and ethnic profiling.
Duale described Wandeto as a victim whose “only fault was believing in the Kenyan dream,” adding that her death should strengthen the country’s resolve to defend unity and justice.
“The loss of Rachael Wandeto must not be in vain. Her memory should deepen our resolve to stand for unity, demand justice and firmly reject both the perpetrators of this heinous act and those who continue to peddle divisive politics,” he added.
His remarks came shortly after President Ruto, speaking at the Coast region, launched a scathing attack on unnamed leaders whom he accused of spreading hate and tribalism.
“You will not divide our nation using ethnicity. You will not divide our nation using hate,” Ruto said.
The President further linked Wandeto’s death to what he termed dangerous ethnic profiling and political intolerance.
“The life of Rachel Wandeto will not go unanswered,” he stated, warning those promoting tribal divisions that “one day, you will answer for the tribalism you are perpetuating in Kenya.”
Ruto also accused some politicians of branding fellow Kenyans as traitors based on political differences.
“You will not blackmail our nation using ethnicity. You will not profile citizens as traitors because they don’t believe in your tribal bigotry,” he said.
The Head of State maintained that Kenya would continue moving forward as a united nation despite growing political tensions.
“Our nation will not go backwards. Our nation will move forward with unity because we are one nation, one people, with a common destiny,” he added.
