Expert faults opposition for silence on national issues

Governance and policy expert, Joshua Odhiambo at Spice FM. [Spice]

Governance and policy expert Joshua Odhiambo has criticised Kenya's opposition for failing to hold the government accountable, accusing it of lacking depth and direction

Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, May 21, Odhiambo said the opposition has become passive and ineffective, claiming it now agrees to everything.

"What we have in the country is just an opposition that opposes for the sake of it, just making noise, never bringing in new thoughts, and not representing that alternative thought that is not represented in the Government,'' he said.

Odhiambo argued that a strong opposition should influence national discourse and contribute to parliamentary deliberations.

He compared today's opposition with the previous ones.

"What we had in this country under Jaramogi as opposition initially, along with other leaders, was a more vibrant opposition than we have today. Partly, it is because we took in better leaders who were able to engage not only as politicians and ethnic lords but also as professionals who had credible backgrounds,'' he stated.

Odhiambo also claimed that the opposition must be forward-looking and prepared to lead if called upon.

"It should be a body that is telling us if you were to remove this government, then we should put in place another form of government, and give us their shadow cabinet secretaries, who provide alternative solutions."

The expert also defended President William Ruto's decision to appoint advisers, saying that while the Attorney General serves as the government's chief legal advisor, the presidency still requires a broader range of expert input.

"The presidency is not just one individual. That individual needs credible advisers, and that's why people like Makau Mutua are important, they help shape the president's messaging and direction," Odhiambo said.