- The President's proposal came under sharp criticism with leaders arguing that the official opposition will not fit in the current presidential system.
- Some Azimio leaders came out strongly to oppose the creation of the office.
Image: TWITTER
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has backed President William Ruto's proposal to create the office of the Leader of Official Opposition.
Speaking on Thursday to TV47, Kalonzo said that he has no problem with the creation of the office if it is done in good faith.
"Having an office of the leader of the opposition is a very honourable thing, it was discussed and it was a proposal under the BBI. I have no problem if this proposal is made in absolute good faith and that it is in the best national interest," he said.
"It is the responsibility of the opposition in the democracy to put the government in check."
The President's proposal came under sharp criticism with leaders arguing that the official opposition will not fit in the current presidential system.
Some Azimio leaders came out strongly to oppose the creation of the office.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, MPs Otiende Amolo (Rarieda) and Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga) cautioned the National Assembly to be careful when handling Ruto's proposal to introduce the office of the opposition leader.
The leaders said Ruto's intentions must be interrogated carefully especially when they appear to be very good.
Orengo said Parliament cannot be entrusted to bring the office of the opposition leader.
"Parliament is a wrong body to change the Constitution because over the years we had a very good Constitution from Lancaster but it was messed up by Parliament," he said.
However, on Wednesday Ruto came clean on the creation of the office of the opposition saying that he is not planning to reward Azimio leader Raila Odinga through his proposal to create the office of an official opposition leader.
"Mimi simtafutii mtu kazi? Nikisema the office of the opposition leader is an institution, not a person, mimi natafuta accountability," he said.
(I am not creating a job opportunity for anyone. When I talk about the office of the opposition leader, it's an institution, not a person. I am looking for accountability).
He said if he was a selfish man he would have a problem with individuals opposing his administration saying in a democracy, the opposition ought to have a place in government.
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Image: TWITTER