Africa-Press – Kenya. Leader of Majority in National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wa has dismissed reports that President William Ruto is seeking to create an Official Opposition office to please Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Ichung’wa said there is a misconception that the move by the Head of State is a “sweet deal” for Raila, who has launched an aggressive pushback against Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
“People should not get confused that the President has extended an olive branch to Raila or probably a handshake,” he stated.
Ichung’wa said the March 9, 2018 handshake between retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila ruined democracy and the economy.
“The position the President is seeking our support in Parliament to create is not meant for an individual. It is a position that will strengthen and deepen democracy and create greater accountability,” he explained.
He made the remarks during an interdenominational Church Service at Wanjohi Primary School, Kipipiri Constituency.
Present at the service was President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nyandarua governor Kiarie Badilisha and legislators Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Faith Gitau (Nyandarua Woman Rep) and John Methu (Nyandarua senator).
In a memorandum dated December 9, 2022, addressed to the Speakers of the Bicameral Parliament, Ruto proposed amendments to the Constitution enacted in 2010.
He has proposed the creation of an office of the official leader of the opposition, to cure what he says was a constitutional shortfall on the full post-election fate of the minority side.
On Sunday, Ichung’wa assured the President that MPs will consider his proposals and subject them to public participation so that the views of Kenyans can be included in the final document.
“We want a position that will enhance accountability. That seat is not for anyone, we do not fear to be corrected because that is how we can move forward as a country,” he reiterated.
On Saturday, Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri accused President William Ruto of re-introducing the Building Bridges Initiative, a constitutional amendment process the Supreme Court declared illegal.
Theuri said the move by the President should be resisted and condemned by all Kenyans.
“The President is on a dazzling race to mutilate the Constitution even before the ink dries on the oath he took to defend it,” he stated.
Ruto was strongly opposed to the BBI, a process that appeared tailor-made to attract a political alliance that could prevent him, then Deputy President, from ascending to power.
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