By:Robert Mutasi
Wiper Party leaders in Bungoma County have called for the resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over remarks they allege promote ethnic division and hatred against the Kikuyu community.
The leaders, who spoke in Bungoma, accused Duale of making statements that could deepen ethnic tensions in the country. They said public officials serving in the national government should promote unity rather than make comments that could be interpreted as targeting particular communities.
Wiper Party Co-Chair Moses Mulu said the party was concerned about what he described as divisive remarks attributed to the Health CS. He demanded that Duale resign from his position within one week.
“We want to urge leaders who are in government. There are remarks that have been made, especially by CS Duale, which bring issues of hatred among communities. We are urging Mr Duale to resign as CS for Health,” Mulu said.
Mulu warned that failure by Duale to step down would trigger demonstrations against him.
He said Wiper leaders would mobilise supporters to protest until Duale leaves office if he does not resign within the period they have given him.
“We cannot be led by a government that brings issues of hatred among other communities. From today, we are giving you a one-week ultimatum. If you can resign, Duale, do so. If you do not resign, we will come there and demonstrate until you leave,” Mulu said.
The leaders did not disclose details of the specific remarks they were referring to during their address. However, they maintained that the alleged comments were unacceptable at a time when political leaders should be working to promote national cohesion.
Wiper Party National Coordinator Simon Ngugi also called for immediate action against Duale, demanding that the Cabinet Secretary be suspended from office.
“We want to hear today that he has been suspended from office,” Ngugi said.
Ngugi further urged Wiper supporters to remain behind party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the party prepares for the 2027 General Election.
He said Wiper would field candidates for elective positions across the country, signalling the party’s intention to expand its political presence beyond its traditional areas of support.
“We want you to stand behind Kalonzo Musyoka. As the Wiper Party, we will field candidates in all elected positions nationally. There will be no place where you will have a problem getting a good nomination,” Ngugi said.
The demands from the Wiper leaders come amid heightened political debate over ethnic relations and the conduct of public officials ahead of the 2027 elections.
Duale, who previously served in other senior government positions, was appointed Health Cabinet Secretary after President William Ruto reshuffled his Cabinet.
The allegations against him are likely to generate further political debate, particularly over the responsibility of senior government officials to avoid statements that could inflame ethnic tensions.
The Wiper leaders have now placed Duale under a one-week deadline, saying they will organise demonstrations if he does not resign. It remains to be seen whether the Cabinet Secretary will respond to the allegations or whether the government will take any action over the claims.
