Why Duale avoided picking up calls from MPs during KDF recruitment

The nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry, Aden Duale, has revealed the tactic he uses to avoid being dragged into corruption scandals.

Speaking during his vetting on Friday, Duale said that he avoids being involved in corruption by ignoring calls from leaders, especially Members of Parliament.

He made this revelation while responding to a question by Teso South MP Mary Emase, who explained how she tried to reach the former Defence CS after her constituents complained about recruitment to the Kenya Defence Forces.

She stated that at some point, efforts to reach Duale after constituents complained were unfruitful.

"You could not pick up our calls.  Why should we believe that you are not going to transfer this corruption to the Ministry of Environment because even there, there is recruitment of forest wardens?" Emase asked.

In his response, Duale apologised for ignoring the MP’s call but noted that most people who called or texted during the recruitment period wanted employment favours.

"So, I'm very sorry, Honourable Emase, if I didn't pick up your call. I was scared you would ask me to recruit somebody for you, and that is the level of corruption I abhor. I refused to pick up your call and other people's calls because of corruption," he said.

He further noted that many people, including MPs, called or texted during the recruitment period and wanted employment favours.

At the same time, Duale disclosed that his net worth is currently Sh980 million, noting that the wealth is in the form of assets and other investments.

"I have pieces of land both in Garissa and Nairobi; my house in Nairobi, my house in Garissa, my cattle ranch in Garissa, my rental properties in Nairobi and Garissa, my shares in family-owned businesses, my camels and cattle, and motor vehicles," he said.

"Lastly, I got good revenue from the book sales of my autobiography, which is one of the best-selling books today," Duale added.

During his first vetting as CS for Defence in October 2022, Duale said his net worth at the time was Sh851 million.

However, he explained that the growth in his wealth was a result of appreciation in his land, investments, and real estate property.

Duale added that his livestock also grew in number because of a favourable rainy season.