Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung'wah reminisced of the great times shared with Defence Cabinet Secretary nominee, Aden Duale during the latter's emotional farewell to the 13th Parliament on Wednesday, October 26.
In particular, the Kikuyu lawmaker recalled the time Duale made a phone call to his wife, notifying her that the family would be taken care of should anything have happened to Ichung'wah.
At the time, Ichung'wah pointed out that a lot of mysterious disappearances and murders occurred- claiming to be orchestrated as a form of political witchhunt on those who opposed the past regime.
Duale, who urged Ichung'wah's wife to support her husband during the trying times, noted that they engaged in phone call conversations trickling into the wee hours of the morning.
"I can proudly say that he is my friend and a friend to my family. Mr Speaker, during the past regime, I remember one time accompanied by my two daughters, I drove to Duale's house.
"The following day he called my wife and told her this: 'Since there were lots of disappearances and murders in the country, should anything happen to your husband, the children would be taken care of by Duale and William Ruto," Ichung'wah recalled.
"He also said 'support your husband and we pray for him.' I know that Aden Duale and his wife on many occasions would call me late at night," he added
Hailing him as a family friend and a close colleague, the majority leader urged the Defence CS nominee to protect the country's borders as he takes over the coveted docket.
"At one point, he used to sleep at 10 pm but we transitioned him to sleep at midnight. Now, he's taking over a job that he will never sleep, be ready not to sleep as you defend our borders and lead our generals and defence forces," Ichung'wah noted.
During the proceedings, Duale officially resigned as Garissa Township Member of Parliament as he takes over the Cabinet position in Ruto's government.
Kandara Member of Parliament Alice Wahome also resigned after being approved to be the next Water Cabinet Secretary, same as Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who will head the Transport docket.
