Nairobi – Aden Duale, a prominent Kenyan politician, has expanded his horizons by venturing into the realm of writing.
The highly anticipated launch of his latest book, “For the Record,” offered a captivating account of his life and extraordinary political career.
In this engrossing memoir, Duale skillfully transports readers from his humble beginnings, where he overcame poverty through sheer determination, to his current position as the Minister of Defense, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional statesman.
Duale meticulously pulls together minute details from his early life in “For the Record,” displaying his incredible ability to recall past events with vivid clarity. Whether it’s recounting the exact make and model of the cars he traveled in decades ago, painting a vivid picture of long-forgotten meetings, or even describing the scent of someone he sat beside years ago, Duale’s descriptive prowess shines through, leaving readers captivated by his storytelling skills.
Duale’s journey from poverty to prominence is a tale of resilience and opportunity. Raised in a family grappling with financial hardships, he was unable to afford shoes during his early years. He bravely traversed the scorching terrain of Garissa barefoot, until a compassionate stranger bestowed upon him his very first pair of shoes while he attended Boystown in the 1970s. It was not until he enrolled in Garisa High School that Duale experienced the luxury of closed shoes and sleeping in a proper bed.
Equally intriguing are the circumstances that ignited Duale’s pursuit of education. Initially believing education to be out of his reach, he harbored a deep fascination for schools and yearned to unravel the mysteries within those educational institutions. Seeking guidance, he approached an older student who would later become a Member of Parliament.
The kind individual took Duale under his wing and escorted him to school, paving the way for his educational journey. While pursuing his studies, Duale encountered opposition from his father, who regarded education as a waste of time and urged him to tend to the family’s camels. However, in stark contrast, his mother wholeheartedly supported his educational aspirations, providing him with unwavering encouragement and belief in his potential. “For the Record” is a testament to Aden Duale’s indomitable spirit, perseverance, and the unwavering support that shaped his political trajectory.
This book promises readers an engaging and inspiring narrative that highlights the triumph of the human spirit and serves as a testament to the power of education and determination.
INSPIRING JOURNEY
Duale reflects on his humble beginnings, where dreams seemed nonexistent and life revolved around basic needs like sleep and food.
However, everything changed when he attended school and gained knowledge of both Swahili and English. His exposure to radio broadcasts, particularly the BBC and VOA, expanded his limited worldview and introduced him to global politics, opening up a realm of infinite possibilities. He fondly recalls how radio became the primary catalyst that ignited his aspirations within the intricate realm of politics.
In his book, Duale meticulously delves into his family’s history, offering a comprehensive account of his origins. He takes us back to Urgaad village, his birthplace, and paints a vivid picture of his father, Mzee Barre, a polygamous pastoralist who engaged in the trade of merchandise while constantly on the move.
Duale also highlights the influential role his mother, Hawa Kosar, played in shaping his life. Despite being a tea and porridge vendor, she emerged as a formidable figure, and he attributes a significant portion of his success to her unwavering determination to provide for her children. He recounts how she ensured that they received nutritious meals despite their precarious and impoverished circumstances. Additionally, he shares the immense pain he experienced with the loss of his mother to COVID-19 and the tragic deaths of two of his brothers in a car accident.
IDENTITY CRISIS
Born in 1965, around the same time as the intense Shifta war, Duale experienced firsthand the brutalities of the military as he witnessed villages being ravaged and people he knew being killed. He vividly recalls the distressing incident of his mother being forcibly taken away by military trucks under mere suspicion of aiding the militia fighting against the government. Despite these traumatic experiences, Duale developed an admiration for the military as he grew older, finding solace in their presence patrolling the streets with polished boots. He nurtured a deep desire to join the army himself.
In 2012, as a first-time Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for livestock, Duale had another unfortunate encounter with the military. During a rampage in Garissa town, he attempted to intervene but was met with violence and death threats, leaving yet another dark memory etched in his mind. Currently serving as the Defence Minister, responsible for overseeing the military, Duale holds a position that he once idealized.
ENDURING PROBLEM
Duale further emphasizes the enduring struggles faced by Kenya’s Somali community in acquiring identification cards, an essential document for unrestricted mobility within the country.
Many Somalis in Kenya continue to face obstacles in obtaining these cards, as the situation remains unchanged even after nearly six decades since Kenya regained its independence.
The ID card holds utmost importance, making this issue a pressing concern for our community. It appears that despite holding significant power for an extended period, Duale did not prioritize resolving the ID crisis. However, during his time as an Deputy Minister in the Kibaki administration, he played a pivotal role in establishing a passport issuing facility in Garissa, which unfortunately is now closed. This facility helped alleviate the burden of traveling long distances to acquire a passport.
TROUBLED PATH
Duale encountered troubles during his educational and political journey. He was suspended from school for his inability to sing the national anthem and faced two arrests while participating in protests following the deaths of Robert Ouko and Bishop Alexander Kipsang, both suspected to be government-related.
Despite facing threats from the special branch and police intelligence, Duale stood up against the government’s oppressive actions, emphasizing the importance of bravery in the face of adversity.
Throughout his narrative, Duale demonstrates courage and a commitment to his beliefs.
However, there is one instance where he appears paranoid, expressing concerns about the ramifications of the UK government and being denied a visa. During the ICC crisis, he initially spoke boldly about UK intervention in the court proceedings but later received what he perceived as a threatening message from the UK Ambasador, Nic Hailey.
To avoid potential consequences, Duale prioritized British interests by approving a controversial defense pact in parliament, highlighting the influence the West holds over Kenyan leadership.
Another significant moment in Duale’s political career involved his claim of knowing al-Shabab operatives and promising to name them. Although he never fulfilled this promise, he explains in the book that he made it out of frustration and a desire to end the menace posed by al-Shabab. Tragically, during that time, Al-Shabaab carried out a devastating attack in his constituency, resulting in the loss of 148 lives, mostly students. This event marked the lowest point in Duale’s political career.
POLITICAL JOURNEY
Duale delves into his various career choices before politics, starting with the military, which he abandoned after realizing it was a controlled environment. He then attempted to study law but faced challenges with admission due to competitiveness.
Eventually, he pursued a degree in Education at Moi University in Eldoret and became a teacher. However, he later quit teaching and relocated to Mombasa, where he excelled in business and established connections in the coastal city and government circles.
His political ambitions emerged in the early 2000s, driven by the desire to bring fresh energy into governance and end discrimination against the Somali community in Kenya.
Although his initial dream of running for office in 2002 was put on hold by the General Mohamud and others, he actively engaged in campaigns against the new Constitution during the 2005 referendum. Duale recounts how he organized goons to disrupt a government function supporting the “yes” side in Garissa, showcasing his political acumen. He aimed to protect his constituency’s interests and prove his effectiveness by holding a meeting opposing the Constitution while the incumbent, backed by state machinery, failed to do so.
During the 2000s, Duale sought to align himself with a party that had state machinery to secure a place in the next administration. He strategically chose the political side based on his assessment of the prevailing circumstances. When Raila lost the 2007 presidential election, Duale was elected as an MP. Despite not attaining the presidency, Raila’s involvement in the government allowed Duale to become an Assistant Minister in Livestock, a position he later criticized in the book — but it’s in fact the position that helped him gain the national recognition he desired.
General Mohamud Mohamed Barrow, previous Chief of General Staff and Commander of the Kenya Army, had a considerable influence on Duale. Duale was the General’s protégé, and their relationship sometimes turned into political rivalry.
Nevertheless, Duale notes the General’s influence in shaping his life, from securing his admission to Moi Force Academy and arranging a meeting with Dr. Sally Kosgei, the Permanent Secretary in the diplomatic Ministry, to marrying the General’s daughter and having seven children together.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Duale’s inaugural speech in Parliament primarily focused on developmental initiatives for northern Kenya, including significant achievements such as the approval of Garissa University College as a constituent College of Moi University.
Additionally, he advocated for the division of constituencies and petitioned the Ligale Commission for further representation in the region. One area where he excelled was in the field of education. Mr. Duale has actively supported the education fraternity and personally contributed to their initiatives, with his involvement in school affairs.
But, he expressed frustration when numerous teachers left the North region due to security concerns and in response worked towards implementing measures to enhance security.
In the book, the seasoned Kenyan politician also took pride in his role as a Majority Leader in parliament and emphasized this position throughout the book in which he also recounts his journey to understand the responsibilities involving it by studying similar offices in the United States, the United Kingdom and France.
BETRAYALS
Despite holding a prominent government position, he faced discrimination when attempting to prevent the profiling of his community during security incidents, particularly in relation to a controversial security bill.
On the subject of the relation between Uhuru and Ruto, Duale believed that President Uhuru Kenyatta betrayed the then Deputy President and the current President William Ruto by bringing Raila on board, which ultimately led to their loss of the Majority Leader position.
FARAH MAALIM
Notably, the book also highlights his victory over Farah Maalim in the highly contested Garissa town election in 2017, considering it a significant achievement, given Farah’s political background as Kenya’s Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Although he has defeated several other candidates in elections, he chooses to focus primarily on his win against Farah, repeatedly using the word “floored” to highlight this particular victory, not to mention other victories.
While the book provides insights into Duale’s life, it also raises doubts due to its selective focus on success and accomplishments as he seems to downplay any negative aspects or failures in his early life or political career, which may suggest discomfort or unease with acknowledging his shortcomings.
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