This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
On July 5, 2020, Kenyan politics witnessed a rare sight: Aden Duale, the former 'bellicose-in-chief' of the ruling party, skipped Parliament for an entire week. This unusual absence has left many wondering if he is still reeling from the shock of losing his plum post.
According to pundits, Duale's decision to stay away from the August House may be a sign that he is struggling to come to terms with his new reality. As the Swahili proverb goes, 'mazoea yana taabu' – old habits can be painful.
Having grown accustomed to life on the high table, Duale now finds himself without a place at any table, having lost all his committee slots when he was sacked. This sudden loss of power and influence has left him feeling isolated and alone.
Even the intense lobbying efforts that saw him marshal politicos from his North Eastern backyard failed to spare him from the axe. As a result, he earned a trip back to the backbench, a cold and lonely place that has changed significantly since he was last there.
The backbench is no longer the cramped and cozy space it once was, with colossal seats replacing the huddling that used to take place. Social distancing guidelines have made it even lonelier, a stark contrast to the warmth and camaraderie of the high table.
Power had become like Duale's shadow, and for money, he felt it would always keep him company. But now, he must learn to navigate a new reality, one where he is no longer the center of attention.
As Minority Whip Junet Mohamed noted, Amos Kimunya, the man who took Duale's seat, is a man who should be in retirement. Perhaps Duale thought about this prospect and winced at the sight of oldie Kimunya stealing his spotlight.
