Aden Duale, Kenya’s Environment Cabinet Secretary, has publicly criticized Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for claiming to be the official leader of the opposition.
Speaking at an event in Magunga, Homa Bay County, Duale emphasized that the Kenyan Constitution only recognizes the Minority Leader in the National Assembly as the legitimate leader of the opposition.
Duale’s remarks were in alignment with those of Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who was also present at the event.
Junet asserted that he, as the Minority Leader in Parliament, holds the official position of opposition leader, not Kalonzo Musyoka.
Duale backed this stance, pointing out that any other claims to the opposition leadership outside of this constitutional provision are unfounded.
“Hon Junet, let me assist you. According to Kenya’s Constitution, Article 108, the spokesperson for the government in Parliament is Kimani Ichung’wah. The spokesperson and leader of the opposition is Junet Mohamed,” Duale stated.
He went on to dismiss Kalonzo’s recent assertion of being the leader of the opposition, noting that Kalonzo’s parliamentary influence is minimal.
“If you are somewhere else claiming that Baba (Raila Odinga) has gone to the AU and you are the leader of the opposition while your MPs are fewer than twenty, no. Right now, it’s like 2008; the Government and the opposition have united to make Kenya one,” Duale added.
This comment refers to the structure of President William Ruto’s current administration, which Duale likened to the 2008 Grand Coalition Government, where the government and opposition worked together in a unified manner for the nation’s development.
Duale’s statements came shortly after Kalonzo Musyoka declared himself the official leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition following Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
During a press conference, Kalonzo announced his readiness to take on the role of the opposition leader, insisting that the Azimio coalition would continue to be a formidable political force even in Raila’s absence.
“Yes, I am ready to be the leader of the official opposition. This is the team,” Kalonzo stated confidently, adding, “You will see the opposition like never before. We may be light in numbers in Parliament, but outside we have the people of Kenya.”
Despite Kalonzo’s ambitions, Duale’s remarks make it clear that the government does not acknowledge his claim to the opposition leadership.
Instead, the official recognition remains with Junet Mohamed, as per the constitutional framework.
This tension reflects ongoing political dynamics in Kenya, where the definitions and roles of opposition leadership continue to be a point of contention.
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