- The Garissa Township MP said Kimunya is free to consult him in the course of his work.
- Duale thanked Uhuru, Ruto, and the entire Jubilee Party for giving him the opportunity to serve Kenyans as a Leader of Majority Party.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Garissa Township MP Aden Duale has stated that he does not habour any grudges or ill-feelings towards anyone following his ouster as Leader of Majority in the National Assembly.
Duale, while handing over the instruments of the Office of the Leader of the Majority Party to Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya, said he was able to push through the agenda of Jubilee Party effectively during his tenure.
“I was not removed due to inefficiency or lack of delivery; but it is simply the cycle of the career of politics,” he told members.
Duale unconditionally asked for forgiveness from those he offended in the course of executing his duties, in the House and outside.
“I was simply doing my job; and such is the nature of the job as Kimunya will come to appreciate,” he pointed out.
The MP said Kimunya is free to consult him in the course of his work.
“I indeed, look forward to being of assistance to him as he settles into his new position. It is not my wish to let him grapple in darkness,” he explained.
Duale thanked party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto, and the entire Jubilee Party for giving him the opportunity to serve Kenyans as a Leader of Majority Party for the past seven years.
He added that Kimunya has a wealth of experience having served as Minister of Finance and held various leadership positions in Parliament.
“My experience as the Majority Leader taught me that as one pushes the agenda of the Majority Party, it is almost inevitable that one will make new friends and new enemies and opponents, particularly within the party, depending on where their interests are,” he said.
Kimunya, on the other hand, expressed his personal appreciation and that of Jubilee Party for the commitment Duale put in his work.
“I have been watching him and I have seen the amount of time he has put in his work. I have also been learning from him. Seven years as Leader of Majority is remarkable,” he stated.
Kimunya said Duale should now use his free time to personally tend to the needs of Garissa Township constituents.
“When I was a Cabinet minister, my constituents could not understand how I was using that position to help them. They wanted me to be on the ground with them on a regular basis but it was not possible. Now that you (Duale) will have some free time, go and serve your people even better,” he advised.
Leader of Minority John Mbadi said he has no doubt that Kimunya will be able to deliver on his new mandate.
“He (Kimunya) will not disappoint. He is serving his third term in Parliament. He has been a Cabinet minister, he has served as deputy Leader of Government Business and as a member of the House Business Committee,” he said.
Mbadi further said Duale performed well during his term, even when they disagreed certain issues.
“He weathered a lot of storms. He had the zeal and determination to deliver for his party,” he added.
Minority Whip Junet Mohamed said a time had come for Duale to serve Kenyans in another capacity.
“These offices are not for specific people. When you get an opportunity to occupy them, you serve Kenyans diligently and when you leave them, you still serve Kenyans but in a different capacity,” he stated.
Duale thanked members for the “invaluable” support they gave him during his tenure.
“There is no storm that God won’t carry you through you through. No bridge that God won’t help you cross. No battle that God won’t help you win. Trust God and never give up. Amen!” he said.