Aden Duale: Corruption is Kenya’s greatest threat, not Al-Shabaab

Environment Cabinet Secretary nominee Aden Duale has raised an alarm over the pressing issue of corruption, declaring it a more severe threat to Kenya's development and security than the notorious Al-Shabaab terror group.

He voiced these concerns during his vetting before Parliament's Committee on Appointments on Friday, responding to a question from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa regarding the rampant forest land-grabbing cases across the country.

Duale, the immediate former Defence CS, drew from his experience in the critical security docket to underscore the gravity of corruption in Kenya.

"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," he remarked. "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."

He further elaborated on the challenges posed by corruption, noting that while security agencies can identify and neutralise Al-Shabaab operatives due to their distinctive modus operandi, those involved in forest land grabbing often remain elusive, hidden from public scrutiny until legal actions bring them to light.

"Al-Shabaab, you can identify them; you know their location and capability, but corruption is killing our country," Duale asserted.

The nominee brought attention to a troubling trend in which senior public officials are involved in the illegal appropriation of forest land. In a bold declaration, he vowed to take decisive action against these individuals if confirmed as the Environment CS.

Al-Shabaab militia photographed in a televised address. (Photo: CFR)

"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," he stated.

Duale specifically mentioned the Oloolua forest, where experts briefed him about the deliberate illegal acquisition of land.

"I am ready to bear the consequences, particularly on the Oloolua forest. I have been briefed by experts and have seen that it's deliberate. In the past two years, some individuals have purchased illegal title deeds, and they will be the first people I visit. Mr. Speaker, some of your members might be casualties," he warned.

In his proposed approach to tackling forest land grabbing, Duale emphasised the need to consolidate all related petitions, ensuring a thorough examination to distinguish genuine cases from fraudulent ones 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," he pledged.

His resolute stance underscores a commitment to address corruption head-on, signalling potential upheaval among high-ranking officials involved in illegal land dealings.

If confirmed, Duale's candid statements during the vetting process have set a clear expectation for his tenure, prioritising the eradication of corruption to safeguard Kenya's natural resources and national security.

"Corruption is killing our country. Duale concluded, sending a strong message to those entrenched in corrupt practices that their actions will not go unchecked.

Aden Duale in Parliament during his vetting on August 2, 2024 as Environment CS nominee. (Photo: Aden Duale)