Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged political leaders to refrain from what he described as hate speech that could inflame tensions and trigger violence among communities.

He spoke on Thursday amid escalating ethnic rivalry that has led to deadly clashes along the Garissa–Kitui border.

Kalonzo singled out Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, accusing him of issuing ethnic threats against the Kamba community and questioning his leadership.

“CS Duale, in Mandera, said that we in the opposition should not be allowed to go past Tana River. He said so in Kisomali (Somali dialect), and we got the translation,” he said.

The opposition leader added that responsibility should instead be placed on the bandits who attacked residents in Tseikuru, Kitui County, killing seven people.

“The criminals who executed the Kwa Kamari Massacre do not represent any community; they are criminals,” he noted.

Kalonzo had earlier alleged that the attackers, believed to be from a pastoralist community, had encroached on the Mwingi North Game Reserve, with tensions building up before the violence.

He maintained that the conflict should not be framed as inter-community rivalry and urged political leaders to focus on de-escalation.

“I must tell CS Duale, even as he says we should not cross over, there are so many Kambas residing in Garissa, Mandera and other areas. Our Brothers from the pastoralist communities are not criminals but collaborate with authorities,” he said.

“I also recommend that elders meet immediately, and I’m ready to rush there.”

Meanwhile, CS Duale called for an end to the violence along the Garissa–Kitui border, urging local leaders to actively promote peace and unity.

He also asked security agencies to swiftly arrest those responsible for the killings and ensure they face justice.

“Peace is really expensive. I want the political leadership there to bring the communities together. Every community lives everywhere in our country,” he said while addressing the press on Thursday.

“The security agencies should ensure that people who want to kill others are arrested and brought to book.”