President William Ruto is set to table a proposal on the establishment of the office of the official opposition leader.
Ruto will table his proposals before the National Assembly on Thursday.
The President is keen on having the position and office of official opposition anchored in law.
National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader, Owen Baya says Kenya needs a strong opposition to have an acceptable system in a democracy.
“We need a strong opposition that is well resourced, has avenues to reach government and engage in national dialogue without hindrances.
“That is why we are confident such a position in this country will take the country forward,” Baya said.
The proposal from Ruto says the party or coalition of parties with the second highest votes automatically taking up the position.
Also Read: Kalonzo Says Wiper will Take Part in Azimio Rallies
Powerful opposition
Azimio la Umoja coalition has already started drafting a similar proposal that seeks to establish a powerful office of the leader of opposition.
Among its proposals, Azimio wants the leader of official opposition to be allowed to make an annual address to parliament
Both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza are expected to negotiate on a possibility of presenting a joint bill to be sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
“The President has not had a sitting with the minority side to agree on a proposal, they are his thoughts from as early as February…probably the opposition has borrowed from Chatham, a proposal we have not seen,” said Ichung’wah.
Already the Kenya Kwanza coalition has said it will support the Azimio proposal in parliament.
In one of the proposals, the official opposition leader will have immunity from prosecution, will be funded by the exchequer and will also be allowed to mobilise funding from donors to meet its obligations.
“The proposal now is not to make the minority side part of government, it’s to make sure you have an effective opposition that can check the government,” added Ichung’wah.
The proposers of the emerging bills say their actions will anchor the office in the Constitution, clearly define their roles and mandates and facilitate accountability for all the public resources utilised.
