Kitui leaders hit out at Duale for his 'arrogant' camel remarks

Health CS Aden Duale herding camels . [Courtesy]

A section of leaders from Kitui County have criticised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over what they termed as insensitive remarks following deadly clashes between farmers and pastoralists from North Eastern region.

 The leaders termed Duale’s comments, in which he appeared to mock the farming community, reckless and likely to inflame tensions at a time when more than 10 people have been killed in recent clashes.

 Duale sparked outrage after remarks widely interpreted as dismissive of the crisis, where he boasted that all camels belonged to him, and challenged critics on what they would do about it.

 “Ngamia yote ya Kenya ya Wasomali ni yangu, alafu mtado? (All the camels owned by Somalis in Kenya belong to me, so there is nothing you can do?).

 Kitui Woman Rep Irene Kasalu accused the CS of arrogance and failure to promote peace.

“Duale said he is the owner of all camels, and I am telling him I am the owner of all farms in Kitui. He will meet me face to face,” she said yesterday.

 Kasalu said as a senior leader, the CS should be at the forefront of fostering peaceful coexistence rather than engaging in what she termed as war mongering.

 “We have a problem with Duale because of his arrogance, and we also have a problem with camel owners grazing in people’s farms,” she said, urging pastoralists to respect private property.

 Speaking when she donated foodstuff to residents of Kwa-Kamari in Mwingi North where seven people were gunned down by suspected camel herders a week ago, the Woman Rep called for urgent government intervention to restore security.

 “This is a serious security zone. We want more police officers deployed here and more National Police Reservists trained and armed. The government must guarantee security, otherwise people will be forced to defend themselves.”

Kitui governor Julius Malombe (2nd Right) when he led other leaders for a requiem mass for seven victims of banditry killed last Saturday by suspected camel herders. The mass was held at Tseikuru primary school yesterday, Saturday May 2, 2026. [Philip Muasya, Standard]

 Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu also took issue with the CS, warning that leadership should be exercised with humility.

 “We want to warn Duale that pride comes before a fall. His arrogance because he is a Cabinet Secretary should not blind him. He should be telling his people to live well with us, just as we urge our people to do the same. Duale needs to step back and tame his arrogance.”

 Area Senator Enoch Wambua echoed the sentiments, linking the comments to the growing insecurity in the region.

 Wambua said the issue at hand was not political but one of security and rule of law.

 “No leader is above the law. We cannot justify illegal grazing or the presence of armed herders on people’s land,” he said.

 The Senator dismissed attempt to frame the conflict along ethnic lines, stressing that communities have coexisted peacefully for years.

 “The two communities are not enemies. The problem is armed herders who are causing violence, killings and displacing residents,” he said.

 He maintained that camel herders must be removed from affected areas and called on the government to prioritise the safety of local communities.

 The leaders urged national authorities to take decisive action to end the violence and prevent further loss of life.