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Adan Duale Cabinet Minister Environment

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently dismissed claims made by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who had declared himself the official leader of the opposition following Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Speaking at the Green Climate Finance National Designated Authorities Network (AFDAN) Conference in Nairobi on August 22, 2024, Duale emphasized that the Constitution of Kenya only recognizes the Leader of Minority in the National Assembly as the official leader of the opposition.

Duale's comments aligned with remarks made by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who asserted his role as the true leader of the opposition, contradicting Kalonzo’s claims. Duale stated that anyone outside the recognized framework of the National Assembly could not legitimately claim the title.

“Let me clarify, according to the Kenyan Constitution, Article 108, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament is Kimani Ichung’wah, and the leader of the opposition is Junet Mohamed,” Duale said in Magunga, Homa Bay County. “If you’re elsewhere, wandering and claiming to be the opposition leader just because Raila has gone to the AU, and your MPs don’t even number 20, that’s not valid.”

Duale further noted that the current administration under President William Ruto is similar to the 2008 Grand Coalition Government, with both the opposition and government working together for national development.

Kalonzo’s recent declaration came after a press conference coinciding with the State House launch of Raila’s AU bid, where he expressed readiness to take up the opposition leader role within the Azimio la Umoja coalition. “I am ready to be the leader of the official opposition. This is the team. You will see the opposition like never before. We may be light in numbers in Parliament, but outside, we have the people of Kenya,” Kalonzo said.

Duale’s strong stance reflects the ongoing debate over the leadership and future of the opposition in Kenya, with differing views on who truly holds the mantle of opposition leadership in the current political landscape.