Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a new policy prohibiting politicians from using military helicopters, citing the aircraft’s intended purpose for specific defense operations and troop movements.
Speaking to Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange, Duale firmly stated, “We have now a policy in KDF (Kenya Defense Forces) where we’re not going to carry politicians. We will not at all. Helicopters are meant for specific functions within KDF. They carry our troops, they go to operations, so not only helicopters, all our assets.”
The ban on politicians using military choppers comes as part of broader efforts by Duale to restore integrity, accountability and reform within Kenya’s defense forces after years of alleged mismanagement. He emphasized that while ministers and other officials may utilize military transport for operational duties in insecure areas, the aircraft will be strictly off-limits for personal travel.
“If you’re just going home to Garissa for the weekend, what are you going to use?” Koinange asked.
“I can drive to Garissa, the road is good,” Duale remarked dismissively when asked if the defense minister himself would be subject to the new rules.
During the televised interview, the defense chief tackled a range of other pressing security matters. He provided assurances that the military is taking steps to enhance disaster response capabilities, following criticism over the inadequate handling of recent floods that killed dozens.
“For the first time, we have a multi-agency Disaster Response Operation Center domiciled at the interior ministry with KDF and everybody…In the next one year, it’s already in place,” Duale stated, adding that the army was often the first responder at crisis events like building collapses.
On the thorny issue of bandits terrorizing parts of northern Kenya, Duale warned that patience was running out and vowed the military would be given full authority to decisively eliminate the threat if need be. “We shall deal with bandits, and we shall use all our assets…we will ask the president and parliament to give us the go-ahead to clean up that valley and the north rift once and for all.”
The tough-talking minister also revealed plans to establish a construction company within the KDF to enhance engineering capabilities, improve military housing, health facilities and modernize air defenses which were previously lacking.
While reformist in tone, some of Duale’s statements sparked controversy, including defending the military’s takeover of the Kenya Meat Commission, which he claimed had been privatized for its own profits. He also hit back at allegations of recruitment corruption, saying the latest intake had seen 22% women recruited in a transparent process.
