Two North Rift MPs urge opposition to oversight government

National Assembly during one of the Parliamentary plenary session on October 10, 2022 [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The opposition has been challenged to oversight the government for effective service delivery to Kenyans.

North Rift MPs Julius Ruto (Kesses) and Timothy Toroitich (Marakwet West) said the stand was so far taken by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga, Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka and opposition lawmakers in pressing the government to fulfill election pledges is commendable.

The MPs blamed the economic challenges currently facing the country on the handshake which weakened the opposition.

Mr Ruto and Mr Toroitich who spoke separately to The Standard urged the opposition to be positive in their criticism of the government saying that it was too early for them to demand lowering of the cost of living yet the country's economy is yet to recover.

"I appreciate the opposition under Raila have taken their rightful position and duty on time. This will make the government to work and deliver. This is unlike the previous regime when the opposition had been weakened and service delivery hampered," stated Ruto.

"Castigating the government that has been in office for only a period of less than one month on cost of living is not fair. The genesis of all problems emanated from the handshake of the two brothers, former President Uhuru Kenyata and Raila," he added.

Ruto claimed that the handshake made the government to shift focus on issues of interest for a few individuals at the expense of Kenyans, leading to dismal performance.

Toroitich said the handshake changed the focus of the opposition leading to failure in oversight of the government.

"The government in the office needs to be checked to avoid any excesses. There is a need to anchor the opposition in the Constitution so that it is formally recognized in law," he said.

He called for a budget, office and staff for the official opposition.

Toroitich said a budget will enable the opposition to constitute a shadow cabinet that will check on respective departments and ministries.

He noted that Kenya Kwanza's resolve to have Cabinet Secretaries appear in Parliament to answer queries will present the best forum for the opposition to check the government.