Makali Mulu decries corruption, calls for fairness in KDF recruitment
By Faith Lagat, September 25, 2025Kitui Central Member of Parliament (MP) Makali Mulu has raised an alarm over systemic corruption and inequity in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment process during a session at the National Assembly.
Speaking under Standing Order 44(2)(c) in the National Assembly, on September 25, 2025, Mulu emphasised the need for a transparent and fair recruitment exercise.
He stated that what members are requesting is equity and fairness in the exercise, adding that corruption has made it nearly impossible for young people from poor backgrounds to join the KDF due to the high demands placed on them by recruiting officers. He called for a process that ensures every qualified Kenyan has a fair chance to be recruited.
“What the members are requesting is equity and fairness in this exercise. The third issue that must be addressed is corruption. It has become nearly impossible for young people from poor backgrounds to be recruited into the KDF, because the demands placed on them by recruiting officers are so high that they cannot be met.”
“We would like to see a situation where this recruitment process ensures that every Kenyan who qualifies has a fair chance to join the KDF,” Mulu said.
Calls for action
Mulu’s remarks followed earlier calls for action, including a request by Ali Wario, Garsen MP, seeking a statement from the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations regarding the inclusion of Tarassa and Kokane Sub-Counties in the KDF recruitment drive.
“I am requesting a statement from the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations regarding the inclusion of Tarassa and Kokane sub-counties in the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment.”
Nairobi MPs petition
Parallel to these efforts, Nairobi’s elected MPs have intensified pressure on the KDF to overhaul its 2025 recruitment criteria. On September 16, 2025, a petition led by Mark Muriithi Mwene, MP for Embakasi West and Deputy Minority Whip, was formally submitted to Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
Signed by all 19 elected MPs, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the petition addresses the KDF recruitment advertisement published on September 14, 2025. The document cites a “manifestly skewed” recruitment itinerary, with a single centre, Nyayo Stadium, assigned to serve multiple constituencies such as Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi South, Embakasi West, Kamukunji, Makadara and Starehe.
With Nairobi’s population exceeding 5.7 million, the MPs warn that the consolidation risks logistical chaos and security concerns and undermines fairness and transparency.
Demands for equity
Referencing Articles 27 and 10 of the Constitution, which mandate equality and equity, the MPs propose dedicated recruitment sites for each of Nairobi’s 17 constituencies and affirmative action to address urban disadvantages.
They set a seven-day deadline for a response, warning that inaction will be deemed a deliberate act of discrimination. This push coincides with the KDF’s 2025 recruitment exercise, announced for October 23–25, targeting roles such as General Service Officer Cadets and General Duty Recruits. Applications close on October 12, 2025.
The KDF has, however, pledged a corruption-free process, stating the recruitment drive is free and open to all eligible and qualified candidates and that engaging in bribery or any form of corruption with the intent to influence the process is a criminal offence.