NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 10 – President William Ruto has implored Parliament to pass a raft of legislations that will see amongst others the establishment of the office of the Official Opposition.
In a letter addressed to Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula and his Senate Counterpart Ammason Kingi the head of state will enable the minority to effectively discharge its oversight mandate.
The President has added that recognition of the overall leader of the minority party will deepen democracy and institutionalize governance.
President Ruto further called for amendments to the constitution to allow nomination of more women to the senate and national assembly to ensure the two houses comply with the two third gender rule.
“The Transition to the Presidential System, coupled with the exclusion of Presidential Candidates from simultaneously contesting parliamentary seats created a novel paradigm. The consequence is that the overall leader of the minority side is excluded from meaningful political participation.” says President Ruto.
If the law is passed ODM Party leader Raila Odinga will effectively be recognized as the Official Leader of the Opposition; a position likely to come with perks and privileges.
President Ruto says the creation of the office will cure the current lack of clarity on the fate of the minority aside after the general elections and deepen democracy in the country.
“I believe that the idea of official Opposition, above and beyond mere minority parliamentary leadership, makes tremendous sense in terms of institutionalizing governance, strengthening oversight and deepening democracy. ” Added President Ruto.
The letter has drawn a myriad of reactions from the political divide with Odinga ally and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina terming it an olive branch and a move away from Ruto’s tough talk against the opposition.
“Is president WilliamsRuto seeking a “colorful”handshake with my party leader RailaOdinga through parliament? His recent letter to the speakers of both Houses of Parliament depict a man whose future will be determined by application of 48 laws of power and not chest thumping” tweeted Ledama.
A section of Kenya Kwanza MPs who attended the alliances’ Parliamentary Group Meeting held this week vowed to back the creation of the office saying it will enable the opposition to discharge its mandate.
“We will resource this office with cars, buildings and finances and the holder will be able to address parliament; this will enable the holder to do official duties. ” said Deputy Majority leader Owen Baya.
About The Author
