Nairobi — The Government brushed aside loss to the opposition during the election of National Assembly Speaker.

A Cabinet minister said it would weather the storm and garner a majority.

Justice minister, Ms Martha Karua on Wednesday said the loss should not be interpreted as a pointer to future contests, involving Bills, Motions and budgetary votes that need parliamentary approval.

She also ruled out the possibility that a Motion of no confidence against the Government would sail through.

Energy minister, Mr Kiraitu Murungi, played down the loss and said the Government was comfortable with the new Speaker.

Others who described the defeat as a minor setback include new MPs Mr Peter Gitau (Mwea), Mr Emilio Kathuri (Manyatta) and Mr Nemesyus Warugongo of Kieni.

On Tuesday, the Government fronted Mr Francis ole Kaparo for the position.

Kaparo lost the race to Mr Kenneth Marende who had the support of ODM.

Karua said she was confident many MPs who voted with ODM on Tuesday would support the Government.

Crucial Bills, Motions and budgetary votes for various ministries require a parliamentary majority for approval.

"With time, those in opposition will definitely vote for what is good for the nation. We don't expect to have problems when transacting business in the House," she told The Standard on the telephone.

Karua assured Kenyans the Government would not fail, adding she was doubtful if any MP would want to pass a Motion of no confidence in the Government.

This, she said, would mean MPs lose their seats and be subjected to a new election.

"I don't see such a Motion sailing through. No one would take the risk because he or she is not sure of being re-elected," she added.

Kiraitu said: "It doesn't worry us that ODM supported Marende. He has an obligation to be fair."

He said the Government would win key Motions irrespective of the current numbers, noting some Motions and Bills would be beneficial to the country.

"Once things settle there will be no crisis," he said.

In the their reactions, Gitau, Kathuri and Warugongo expressed optimism that the Government would prevail in most businesses of the House since there were many members willing to support it.

Marende was elected Speaker of the 10th Parliament in a session that was plunged into a long-drawn battle of wits.

More than one hour was spent in arguments on the mode of voting.

Members finally resorted to the secret ballot method.

After three rounds of voting that took more than six hours, Marende was declared winner after garnering 105 votes while Kaparo got 101.

The announcement by the Clerk of the national Assembly, Mr Samuel Ndindiri, sent members of the opposition into celebrations.

-- Reports by Francis Ngige, Munene Kamau and Patrick Miriungi