"I harbour no ill feelings," Duale’s moving exit speech

Outgoing National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale with his successor Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya. [File, Standard]

For a man who built his reputation as a fierce debater, calculating smooth operator and extremely effective mobilizer in Parliament, Aden Duale showed a different side of a composed and honourable leader while giving his exit speech in parliament.

Duale started his speech by first thanking  President Uhuru, his Deputy and the Jubilee Party for allowing him to serve Kenyans for the past seven years. He also took the opportunity to congratulate his successor in his opening remarks.

“kilicho kuwa na mwanzo hakikosi kuwa na mwisho… I was not removed for inefficiency or lack of delivery, but it is simply the cycle of the career of politics. I therefore habour no ill feelings or grudge,” said the Garissa Town MP in his exit speech in Parliament.

Over the years in his role, the Garissa Town MP was the perfect arsenal to push all controversial bills in the House among them the harsh Security Laws Amendment Bill which posed a threat to the freedom of expression and that of the media.

 “Hon. Speaker, as I exit, I am indeed proud to note that during my helm as the Leader of Majority Party I was able to push through the agenda of the Majority Party effectively, the results are out there and they speak for themselves, said Duale. 

By his doing his job of pushing Government agendas of the party, Duale has faced a myriad of conflicts that have led to the exchange of blows between Jubilee and NASA legislators and also the famous brawl with Former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto over County funds.

“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, commented the Garrisa Town MP.

Duale fronted a composed, gentleman persona who was not defeated but was moving from one stage of life to the next. He took the opportunity to commend his replacement, Kipipiri Legislator Amos Kimunya and remind him that in the end it’s all about serving Kenyans.

“As you take up the new mantle my distinguished colleague, Hon. Kimunya, wear your shoes, walk according to your style and your feel. All that counts is that you serve the people of this great nation,” said Duale.

The former Majority leader also came bearing gifts for the Kipipiri MP, which he called his “starter pack”. In it included brief details of the pending business in this House and the Majority Party business that originated in this House but is now pending in the Senate. 

“I hope that this symbolic handover becomes part of the practice of the House,” said Duale referring to the peaceful and respectable way of leaving a seat for the next leader.

Although President Uhuru Kenyatta had initially made a decision to leave Duale as a Majority Leader during June 2 Parliamentary Group meeting, a petition was made by Kieni Legistaltor Kanini Kenga that saw 126 legislators append signature of no confidence against Duale. It is at that point that the leader of the Majority's fall from glory commenced. 

Duale was the first leader of the Majority Party in the National Assembly, a position that was first introduced under the 2010 Constitution.