Azimio-Kenya Kwanza Talks Agree To Create Raila's Office

The team, led by National Assembly leader Kimani Ichung’wah and his Azimio counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka also agreed to embed of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Oct 12, 2023 - 15:03 Updated: Oct 12, 2023 - 15:03
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Azimio-Kenya Kwanza Talks Agree To Create Raila's Office
President William Ruto (right) shakes hands with Azimio Leader Raila Odinga (left) at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, May 14, 2023. /PCS

The National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) comprising of Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalition members has agreed to create the Office of the Official Leader of Opposition.

The establishment of the office, which Azimio leader Raila Odinga is expected to spearhead, was one of the deliberations of the ongoing bipartisan talks, revisiting previous proposals seeking to entrench the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Constitution.

The team, led by National Assembly leader Kimani Ichung’wah and his Azimio counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka also agreed to embed of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka (Left) and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah (Right) conversing on August 30, 2023. /KALONZO MUSYOKA

The bipartisan team also agreed on entrenchment into the constitution of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), National Government Affirmative Action Fund, and Senate Oversight Fund.

NADCO also agreed on the two-thirds gender rule and fidelity to political parties.

“Pleased with the tremendously positive strides the Dialogue Committee has made in our noble quest to make Kenya a better nation. 

"The meeting with our Technical Teams has reported significant progress by providing an agreeable set of agenda from both teams,” Senate Majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who is part of the Kenya Kwanza bipartisan team, stated.

He indicated that the committee worked overtime to adhere to the 60-day timelines given by Parliament, with Members of Parliament on August 16, 2023 directing the bipartisan team to report to President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga within 60 days.

The committee, however, did not agree on some issues including the cost of living, restructuring and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), audit of the 2022 elections, and inclusivity in public appointments among others.

NADCO had completed public hearings with different stakeholders on issues affecting the nation. They included former IEBC commissioners, Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja teams, the IEBC selection panel, former Attorney General Githu Muigai, and a working group on the two-thirds gender rule among others.

Following the discussions, the team will provide a comprehensive report before the end of October. 

On Friday, December 9, 2022, President Ruto asked Members of Parliament (MPs) to proceed with the amendments to entrench the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Constitution. If successful, the move will see Raila assume the powerful office.

"I, therefore, propose that Parliament consider an amendment to Chapter 9, Part IV of the Constitution to establish the office of the Leader of the Official Opposition, with its operational dimensions to be provided for in consequential legislation. 

"The consequence is that the overall political leader of the minority side is effectively excluded from meaningful political participation, and left to rely on the minority house leadership to perform the function,” Ruto stated in a memo written to MPs.

If executed, the proposal would see the opposition enjoy a raft of privileges, including funding operations within the role of providing oversight over the government of the day.

In addition, the entrenchment of the law would see the opposition wield additional powers, from taking part in the appointment of key leaders to state organs and addressing Parliament on the state of the nation.

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