Karen Nyamu Calls on Duale to Withdraw Remarks About Kikuyu Community

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has called on Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to withdraw remarks concerning the Kikuyu community and apologise, saying the comments made her “deeply uncomfortable.”

Nyamu said she respected Duale as a senior leader and elder but disagreed with remarks she said appeared to portray the entire Kikuyu community through the lens of political differences.

Her comments come amid continued controversy over remarks Duale made during an event in Lafey, Mandera County. The comments sparked criticism from several leaders, while the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) opened investigations into allegations that the statements were ethnically divisive. Duale has maintained that he was misquoted and that his remarks were taken out of context.

Nyamu, who described herself as a Kikuyu and an unapologetic supporter of President William Ruto, said political support should not determine how an entire community is treated.

She argued that Kenyans who do not support Ruto have a constitutional right to make that choice without being insulted, while those supporting the President should equally not be expected to remain silent when they feel their community has been demeaned.

Nyamu further urged Duale to address political leaders individually rather than associating their positions with the wider Mt Kenya population.

“Please address Rigathi Gachagua, address Uhuru Kenyatta, address leaders in Mt Kenya. The people are not politicians and no politician speaks for every Mt Kenyan,” she said.

She maintained that Ruto continues to enjoy support among sections of the Mt Kenya region and cautioned against portraying the community as politically united behind one position.

Nyamu also said remarks targeting an entire community could place leaders from the region who support the President in a difficult position.

Her position echoes criticism previously raised by other Kenya Kwanza-aligned leaders. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, for instance, demanded an apology from Duale, describing the remarks as ethnic profiling.

Nyamu concluded by asking Duale to withdraw the remarks and apologise, saying political leaders can defend the President and campaign for him while respecting Kenyans who hold different political views.

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