Duale locks out civilians from KDF choppers
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopters will no longer be used by politicians, the Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has decreed.
CS Duale on Wednesday night said this was in line with the new policy of the KDF aimed at protecting its assets from further misuse.
The choppers, including other assets, will henceforth be reserved for specific military duties only including carrying troops and vital operations.
“We have a policy, we are not going to carry politicians anymore. Helicopters are meant for specific functions within KDF, they are part of our assets in safeguarding the country,” the CS said.
He added: “They carry our troops, go to operations so not only helicopters but all our assets, going forward.”
The CS however said him and his Interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki were allowed to use the choppers and other assets while visiting operation areas.
“I am allowed to use KDF choppers when flying to operation areas. My colleague from the Ministry of Interior can also use the military assets when flying to our operation area, or use the Kenya Police assets,” Duale stated.
President William Ruto as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the Defence Forces exclusively uses military aircraft for any function, whether public or private.
Duale, who was speaking during an interview on Citizen TV however did not explain if the new policy also affects the Deputy President Rigathi Gachague who is the second in command.
DP Gachagua, Azimio leader Raila Odinga, and some Cabinet Secretaries including ICT’s Eliud Owalo are some of the officials who have used the choppers in the past. There have been growing concerns over continued use of the military choppers by politicians and top government officials while conducting their political activities.
