Light moment in Parliament as ODM’s Kimuge is welcomed to the Majority side
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A lawyer by profession, Mr Kimuge hails from Elgeyo Marakwet County and previously served as legal adviser and political strategist in the ODM party.
There was a light moment in the National Assembly on Tuesday when Kilifi North MP and Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya, while welcoming ODM's newly sworn-in MP Haron Kimuge Kipchumba, said: “The Majority side welcomes you.”
“Mr Speaker, before proceeding, allow me to welcome Mr Kimuge as the latest member of this House. Mr Kimuge, the Majority side welcomes you,” said Mr Baya, as he tabled financial reports of several public schools.
But Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang' quickly rose on a point of order, questioning whether it was in order to make such a remark about a legislator clearly nominated by the Minority side.
“Mr Speaker, is it in order for the MP to welcome Mr Kimuge to the Majority side and yet we know he is our Minority MP?” asked Mr Kajwang’.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula intervened, clarifying that Mr Baya had said nothing wrong.
“Honourable Kajwang’, the Deputy Majority Leader said clearly that the Majority side welcomes the MP. Milly (Odhiambo, the Minority Whip) here can also say the Minority side welcomes Mr Kimuge,” said Mr Wetang’ula, drawing laughter from MPs.
Affirming his statement, Mr Baya insisted he had not implied Mr Kimuge had crossed sides.
“Mr Speaker, I cannot lie. I am a son of a retired Bishop and my brother is Bishop of Mombasa. I come from a religious family. So I can't lie. I said clearly that the Majority side welcomes the new member to this House,” Mr Baya said.
Mr Baya was referring to Anglican Bishop Alphonce Mwaro Baya, his elder brother, who currently heads the Diocese of Mombasa.
Earlier, Mr Haron Kimuge Kipchumba was sworn in as the nominated MP for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), taking over the position left vacant after Mr John Mbadi was appointed Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury.
Mr Kimuge was handed the instruments of service before Speaker Wetang’ula in a brief ceremony in the House.
A lawyer by profession, Mr Kimuge hails from Elgeyo Marakwet County and previously served as legal adviser and political strategist in the ODM party. He is also active in community development initiatives and is considered a close ally of party leader Raila Odinga.
