NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 25 – A new survey by TIFA Research has revealed that 48 per cent of Kenyans believe the creation of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition would weaken the Opposition and is targetting Raila Odinga.
36 percent of those polled in the survey which was conducted between March 11-March 19 believe the creation of the position would strengthen the opposition.
49 percent of respondents who identified as Kenya Kwanza supporters told TIFA Research that the post would weaken the opposition while 33 percent held the alternative view.
Meanwhile, 41 percent of those who said they are Azimio supporters said the post would strengthen their Leader’s cause to check the government. 48 percent of Azimio supporters believe the post is meant to weaken their leader.
31 percent of those polled could name the new position proposed by the Kenya Kwanza government for the leader of the largest Opposition party in the National Assembly.
In December 2022, President William Ruto tabled his proposals on the position and office of the official opposition leader before the National Assembly on Thursday, kick-starting a conversation that could see the position anchored in law.
However, a substantive Bill has yet to be tabled on the floor of the House.
During a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting, President Ruto urged MPs to rally behind the proposal which would make the minority more effective in keeping the government in check.
“I am a great believer in an accountable government and that is what we want our oversight institutions to be empowered so that they can help us run an accountable government which will bring transformation,” President Ruto added.
With the party or coalition of parties with the second highest votes automatically taking up the position, there are provisions that the party can nominate a representative.
The proposed law, which Kenya Kwanza MPs have been asked to pass, will give long-serving opposition leader Raila Odinga powers to appoint his allies to independent and constitutional commissions and address Parliament and the nation periodically.
The law will also give Raila and future holders of the office, the powers and discretion to solicit and mobilise for funding from donors as one way to supplement its budgetary allocation and finance its activities.
