Some Garissa elders have welcomed the reappointment of Aden Duale into the Cabinet by President William Ruto, citing it as a testament to the confidence the President has in Duale’s capabilities. On Friday, President Ruto announced the first batch of 10 Cabinet Secretary nominees to replace the recently fired 21.
Duale, who has been reappointed along with other former CSs—Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Alice Wahome (Lands and Public Works), Davis Chirchir (Roads), and Soipan Tuya (Environment)—was highlighted by the elders as a key figure in strengthening security in Northeastern Kenya and the country at large. Other nominees include Dr. Debra Mulonga Barasa (Health), Julius Migos Ogamba (Education), Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture and Livestock Development), Eric Muriithi Muuga (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation), Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u (Information, Communication and the Digital Economy), and Rebecca Miano (Attorney General).
Speaking to the press at a Garissa hotel, elders from different clans expressed their appreciation for Duale’s reappointment. Led by Kenya Livestock Marketing Council Chair Dubat Amey, the elders emphasized the President’s trust in Duale and the Northeastern community’s role in maintaining peace and tranquility.
“We are here as elders of this county to express our appreciation to President William Ruto for showing confidence in our son. We are not taking for granted his kind gesture of retaining him. He could have chosen to pick another person but decided to retain him in the same docket that he was serving,” Amey stated.
Amey further highlighted the importance of the Defence Ministry, noting its critical role in addressing the region’s security challenges. “While we know all ministries are crucial in the country, this particular one which Duale heads holds dear to our hearts because it touches on security and as we are all aware we had insecurity challenges before and who better person to handle it than Duale. As they say, it is the wearer of the shoe who knows where it pinches the most.”
Osman Ibrahim, the Dadaab peace committee chairman, remarked on the relative peace the country has experienced since Duale’s appointment as Defence CS. He credited Duale for engaging with locals and security personnel, which has led to a decrease in daily attacks.
“Kenyans might have noticed that the attacks that used to happen daily across the region are no longer there. Duale has played a big role in this as he had been traversing the region and holding meetings with not only security apparatus but locals as well,” Ibrahim noted.
Ares Yerrow Ibrahim emphasized the importance of having a knowledgeable individual in the Defence Ministry, given the Northeastern region’s proximity to politically unstable countries. He noted that Duale’s understanding of regional dynamics is crucial for maintaining both trade and peace.
The elders pledged their support for President Ruto in delivering his manifesto and expressed their intention to rally behind him.
Following the President’s announcement, Duale expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking President Ruto for the nomination. He acknowledged the trust and confidence placed in him by both the President and the Kenyan people in advancing national security.
“This nomination reflects the President’s and the Kenyan people’s profound trust and confidence in my ability to advance our nation’s agenda and more particularly the national security of our nation hence contribute to its greatness,” Duale said.
Duale also stated his readiness to present himself for vetting and public scrutiny by the National Assembly committee. “I am ready and willing to present myself to the relevant National Assembly for vetting and public scrutiny,” he added.