Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made allegations during a women’s empowerment event in Tana River County on June 29, claiming that a coalition of current and former government officials were actively working to destabilize Kenya.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of young people voicing concerns about state affairs, Duale warned Gen Z protesters to be vigilant against criminal elements infiltrating their movement.
Possible Resurgence of Mungiki Sect
Aden Duale emphasized that these bad actors were exploiting the protests as cover for acts of violence, theft, and arson targeting government buildings.
“I have to say that we appreciate our young people when they raise critical concerns on the affairs of the State…But there are colleagues I know, I have worked with some of them. They were in the former government, some are in this government. If you think you can bring Mungiki, we will not allow it.”
Duale emphasized his commitment, as the Cabinet Secretary responsible for national defense, to prevent the re-emergence of groups like Mungiki that have historically terrorized Kenyan citizens
In response to these perceived threats, Duale announced that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) would be supporting the National Police Service in maintaining security. This comes after a court ruling that Kenya Police should not use water cannons, tear gas and bullets against peaceful protesters.
“National Police Service under their leadership with the support of KDF will protect critical infrastructure of the three arms of government, of citizen’s property and their lives and that is what the constitution demands of us.”
He pledged to protect vital infrastructure across all three branches of government, as well as safeguarding citizens’ lives and property, in accordance with constitutional mandates.
The Defence Secretary drew a stark comparison to the situation in Sudan, where calls for regime change escalated into full-blown civil war.
He cautioned that if the current protests in Kenya continued to be marred by violence, the country could quickly descend into a state of anarchy.
In closing, Duale stressed the grave responsibility of leadership in these turbulent times, stating that allowing Kenya to slip into chaos would be a severe dereliction of duty.