The ouster of Garissa Township MP, Adan Duale as National Assembly Majority Leader on Monday was received with mixed reaction by Garissa residents with his supporters terming it an act of ‘betrayal’ by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Talking to KNA on phone Duale’s staunch supporter, Hassan Aden alias ‘Gumo’ said that the Garissa Township legislator served his Jubilee party and the people of Garissa ‘with all his heart’ and did not deserve to be removed.
“If there is anyone who is loyal to Jubilee party and President Uhuru Kenyatta from North Eastern that person is honourable Duale. I expected the President to spare him because of that,” Hassan said.
“We have accepted the President’s decision and we have moved on. However it goes without saying that the decision was an act of betrayal to Duale and his supporters,” he added.
His supporters who took to the streets when Duale survived the first purge were nowhere in sight today when news started trickling in that Duale had been axed.
On her part, Fatuma Hussein, another supporter of Duale said ‘it’s a bitter pill to swallow’ but Kenyan politics being what there are ‘we accept.’
Fatuma said Uhuru should have replaced Duale with someone from the region.
Duale, who has held the political seat for the past seven years, is a dedicated supporter of Deputy President, William Ruto was replaced by Kipipiri MP, Amos Kimunya in a joint Jubilee parliament group meeting held Monday at KICC, Nairobi.
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow through his twitter handle described Duale’s removal ‘as brute and ingratitude’ saying ‘it’s a painful loss for the Muslim and Somali community’ since he was among the highest ranking in government.
“Duale’s removal wasn’t unexpected but was cowardly. He deserved better,” Kerrow said in the tweet.
Mohamed Mohamud on his part said that Duale enjoyed huge support in North Eastern and his next political move will shape the politics of the region.
“Duale is not a pushover. He enjoyed huge support from the leaders and people of North Eastern Kenya. His next move will determine where the people of North Eastern will shift to politically,” he said.
However, another group allied to Garissa governor Ali Korane were in total support of the ouster saying ‘they saw it coming and it was a little too late’.
Jumale Mohamed said Duale has frustrated governor Korane’s political agenda since he took office.
Duale and Korane have been at loggerheads over the administration of the county affairs with Duale at one time alleging he ‘will throw the governor into political oblivion.
“There is no doubt Duale was loved and cherished until he started meddling in all elective posts in Garissa creating unnecessary enemies,” Jumale said.
By Jacob Songok
