Health CS Aden Duale has emphasised the importance of national unity, urging Kenyans to reject leaders who, he said, are intent on inciting tribalism, hatred, and violence.

Speaking to the press after joining fellow Muslims for Eid al-Adha prayers at Masjid Al-Abrar Mosque in Garissa, Duale said that the country has no room for such leaders.

“As Muslims, this is a day that we hold in high regard. It is a day of unity. And it is on this note that I want to use this opportunity to call for Kenyans unity. This is a call that has been started by his excellency, the President, where we all see each other as Kenyans and not along tribal, religious or where one comes from,” said Duale.

He added, “ We don’t want retrogressive political leaders who want to divide this country along tribal lines.  We want a Kenya where both Muslims, Christians and people of all faiths are treated equally and the country’s development is distributed fairly across the country,”.

Duale said used the opportunity to slam former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s new party, saying it meant to divide the country.

“They are busy forming tribal political parties day and night. And we know them. That is not the Kenya we want,”.

Duale said that true leadership is about serving all citizens, not just one ethnic group noting that leaders promoting tribalism are hindering national progress and fostering inequality.

He went on to issue a clarion call to residents who have yet to register under the Eid al-Adha prayers (SHA), urging them to do so.

He expressed concern that the county was among those with the lowest registration numbers, adding that he would soon lead a major recruitment drive alongside ministry and county officials across all corners of the county. He noted that the registration process was simple and accessible.

He disclosed that on Thursday alone, 71,000 Kenyans registered under the scheme, a clear sign, he noted, of the public’s growing support for the initiative.

“So far, 23 million Kenyans have registered.  But in Garissa, the numbers are staggering.  It’s close to 45,000 people only.  We want to see Kenyans from the pastoral counties where the enrollment is still low to do what is required of them because this scheme that has a lot of benefits will surely come in handy at your hour of need,”  he said.