Environment Cabinet Secretary nominee Aden Duale has asserted that corruption presents a more formidable challenge to Kenya’s national security and development agenda than the threat posed by the Al-Shabaab terror group. Duale’s remarks came during his vetting before Parliament’s Committee on Appointments, responding to a query from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Duale, who previously served as the Defence Cabinet Secretary, emphasized the pervasive and insidious nature of corruption, particularly in the context of forest land grabbing. He argued that while Al-Shabaab terrorists can be identified and neutralized due to their overt modus operandi, corrupt individuals often operate under the radar, shielded by their anonymity and entrenched positions within the government.
“During the last two years, I was at the Ministry of Defence and had the privilege to serve as a member of the National Security Council,” Duale stated. “If I were asked whether Al-Shabaab or corruption poses a greater threat to Kenya’s national security, I would, without fear of contradiction, state that corruption is a more significant threat to our security and existence than Al-Shabaab.”
Duale’s comments highlight a critical issue that has long plagued Kenya: the illegal appropriation of forest land by individuals, many of whom hold senior positions within the government. He vowed to take immediate and decisive action against these land grabbers should he be confirmed as Environment Cabinet Secretary.
“I want to categorically say that if this House approves me, in the first 30 days, working with the Lands CS and government agencies, land titles belonging to big people in government, some of them Members of Parliament, will be revoked,” Duale declared. “I am ready to bear the consequences, particularly on the Oloolua forest. I have been briefed by experts and have seen it’s deliberate. In the last two years, there are people who bought illegal title deeds and they will be the first people I visit. Mr. Speaker, some of your members might be casualties.”
Duale further noted that a significant number of these forest land grabbers are public officials who exploit their positions to secure illegal land titles. He pledged to consolidate all petitions related to forest land grabbing, meticulously distinguishing between genuine and fraudulent claims before presenting his findings to the Cabinet for further action.
“If the House approves me, forestry will be my business. Grabbers of forest land will be my business irrespective of who they are or whatever status they hold in society,” Duale affirmed. “Corruption is killing our country. If you sit here and you’ve illegally allocated forest land, be warned.”
Duale’s stance represents a firm commitment to addressing the deeply rooted issue of corruption in Kenya. His willingness to confront powerful individuals within the government underscores the seriousness of his resolve to protect Kenya’s forests and ensure the integrity of public lands.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the dual threats of terrorism and corruption, Duale’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the complex and multifaceted challenges facing the nation. His emphasis on the greater threat posed by corruption highlights the need for sustained and robust efforts to combat this pervasive issue, which undermines not only national security but also the broader development goals of the country.
