Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has made unfortunate remarks against members of the Kikuyu community, describing them as hyenas.
In African traditions, a hyena is described as uncouth, dirty, greedy, and an animal that should not be anywhere near humans. The comments have sparked outrage across the political divide, with many Kenyans condemning the remarks as reckless and divisive.
Speaking at an event in Northern Kenya, Duale, who addressed the crowd in his native Somali dialect, stated that the Kikuyu community, which is opposing President William Ruto’s re-election, are hyenas and should not be allowed near power in Kenya. His words have been interpreted as a direct attack on the community that has historically played a significant role in Kenyan politics.
“Kikuyus have said that nobody else will live well in Kenya except them. They have become the hyena who has been hunting but has become hard to stop. They have become hyenas. They have said Kenya is ours and nobody else will live in Kenya, even the likes of Moses Wetangula,” Duale said.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election. Duale, who reportedly brought only 7,000 votes to President William Ruto’s election in the 2022 presidential election, also stated that members of the Kikuyu community who are heading to the opposition will be shocked when Ruto is re-elected with a landslide in 2027.
His comments have been seen as an attempt to mobilise ethnic support for the President’s re-election bid, a strategy that has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts and leaders alike.
This is not the first time Duale has made controversial statements regarding ethnic politics. He has previously been accused of employing the tribal card, a tactic that has been condemned as dangerous for national unity.
In a recent incident, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hit back at Duale, dismissing him as a “noisemaker” who did not even give President Ruto 7,000 votes in the last election. Gachagua also accused Duale of abusing the Kikuyu nation at every opportunity, a claim that has gained traction among critics who view the remarks as part of a broader pattern of ethnic vilification.
The use of the hyena analogy is particularly loaded. In Kikuyu traditions and folklore, the hyena has historically been viewed as a scavenger and a creature that feeds on the sick and elderly, a symbol of uncleanliness and dishonour. For a senior government official to use such language against an entire community is not only insulting but also dangerous in a country with a history of ethnic violence. The remarks have also been widely condemned on social media, where Kenyans have called for Duale to apologise or face disciplinary action
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