The National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya on Wednesday, August 10 issued a statement after losing the Kipipiri parliamentary contest to UDA candidate and former Nyandarua Woman Representative Wanjiku Muhia.
Kimunya, who once served as Finance Minister, noted that while the people's choice defied his expectations, he would take a back seat from the political scene.
"The election was historic and will hopefully offer a moment of reflection. We appreciate that life is dynamic, shaped by constantly emerging and often surprising circumstances," he stated.
The politician further congratulated his opponent on the win and thanked the people of Kipipiri for entrusting him with power.
"The people made their decision, which was different from our expectations but in a democracy, the will of the people prevails," he reiterated.
"It was a responsibility that my family, team and I carried out with honour and dedication, and through which we all learnt a lot, touched many lives, and made our humble contribution to making the world a better place. We thank all who supported us in this journey," the lawmaker stated.
Kimunya has an illustrious political career spanning nearly two decades. His journey in elective politics began in 2002, when he was elected Kipipiri MP on a Narc party ticket.
He was appointed Cabinet Minister by Kenya's third president, the late Mwai Kibaki and headed the Lands and Finance dockets.
The soft-spoken lawmaker successfully defended his seat in the 2007 General Election and retained his position in the Grand Coalition government.
He however faced impeachment and was forced to resign from office over the Grand Regency scandal. He is famously remembered for his statement, "I would rather die than resign."
An inquiry into the scandal exonerated Kimunya of any wrongdoing and was re-appointed Minister for Trade.
Notably, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has also conceded defeat in the Ndaragwa Parliamentary election.
The MP lost his seat to Samuel Gichigi in the 2013 polls before reclaiming it in 2017.
