Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the enrollment of President William Ruto’s daughter, June Ruto, in a one-year National Security Strategy program at the National Defence College (NDC). Duale’s clarification comes in response to public outcry from Kenyans who view June’s selection as a blatant instance of nepotism within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The controversy arose after unverified reports claimed that June Ruto had been appointed Director of Foreign Service and would be participating in the NDC course. Speaking on Citizen TV, Duale clarified that June was nominated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she is employed, to undertake the study.
“June Ruto, the president’s daughter and an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is one of the sixty-seven students who began their classes today, July 3,” Duale stated. “She is among the three individuals nominated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue the one-year national security strategy course.”
Duale sought to dispel allegations of favoritism in the selection process, emphasizing that the program’s participants come from various government ministries, departments, and agencies, including KRA, EACC, NIS, ODPP, KDF, and the Ministry of Health.
He attributed the backlash, particularly on social media, to misinformation. “This is part of the fake news and propaganda people are spreading,” Duale remarked.
Duale, who delivered the inaugural lecture to the 2024/2025 cohort, noted that the program also includes nineteen participants from sixteen allied countries in Africa and Asia. June Ruto and her fellow students will gain essential skills in leadership, strategic studies, and national security, which are crucial for addressing emerging security challenges.
