'Your days are numbered,' Duale warns forest encroachers

Aden Barre Duale, CS nominee for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry before the Committee on Appointments at County Hall, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Aden Duale, the nominee for Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, has issued a stern warning to State and Public officials involved in forest encroachment and land grabbing.

If approved by Parliament, Duale has vowed to overhaul the Environment Ministry, with one of his top priorities being the revocation of title deeds for high-ranking government officials, including Members of Parliament, implicated in the invasion of Oloolua Forest in Kajiado County.

"This land grabbing and forest encroachment issue is as old as Kenya. In the first 40 days, working with the Lands Minister and other government agencies, titles belonging to some top government officers will be revoked," Duale stated.

Duale acknowledged that land grabbing is a contentious issue plaguing the Environment Ministry, adding that there have been deliberate attempts by unidentified individuals to acquire illegal title deeds.

"If you are hearing me or are seated here and have acquired forest land illegally, be warned," he said.

Tenure at Defence Ministry

During his appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments for vetting on Friday, August 2, Duale addressed concerns from his previous role in the Defense Ministry. He denied creating a climate of fear within the military during his two-year tenure and stated he does not believe the rank and leadership of the Defense Ministry feared him.

However, he will not hesitate to employ a similar leadership style at the Environment Ministry if confirmed.

Duale also dismissed claims that senior government officials have unrestricted access to military choppers, clarifying that only the president, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, and the First Lady are authorised to use military assets.

Other state officers may use the equipment only with the president's approval. "If the president allows other state officers to be airlifted using military choppers, that is in order," said Duale.

Anti-Tax Demos

Addressing recent nationwide protests, Duale defended his decision to deploy the military to the streets, as stated in a June 25 gazette notice, in an effort to restore his public image.

"That day, the office of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court were under threat. Parliament was under attack. If the Kenya Defence Forces did not come to assist other security agencies, a calamity would have occurred," explained Duale.

He added that, according to the law, his former position as Defense Cabinet Secretary required him to initiate certain legislation for the sake of "peace, public order, and safety."

Duale has a net worth of Sh980m, up from Sh851m when he was last vetted by the National Assembly in 2022. His wealth culminates from land and houses in both Nairobi and Garissa counties, rental properties, a cattle ranch, camels, vehicles, and book sales from his autobiography.

If approved, Duale will succeed Soipan Tuya as head of the Environment and Forestry Ministry following President William Ruto's decision to swap their Cabinet nominations.