Why we wanted opposition leaders post, Kenya Kwanza
National
By
Esther Nyambura
| Nov 28, 2023
After 60 days of talks by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) drawn from Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions, their report recommended the creation of the Office of the Leader of Opposition.
It means that the leader of the largest party or coalition that garnered the second-highest number of votes in the presidential election assumes the office.
According to Kenya Kwanza’s bipartisan talks technical advisor Duncan Ojwang’, the ruling party was keen to have the office of the opposition leader created so as to have balanced politics and inclusivity in the country.
“The leader of the opposition position was created so that rather than doing what they are doing on the streets, it is institutionalized so that they can protect people in parliament and through structured institutions,” said Ojwang’ on Spice FM.
Additionally, the leader of the opposition will create a shadow cabinet that Ojwang’ says will be effective in holding the executive accountable.
Once the office is constitutionalized, the leaders will be allowed to join parliamentary meetings to share their views and objectives.
“The office of the leader of the opposition will now be able to check the executive. Yes, they will not be Members of Parliament but they will be able to come to parliament and talk about alternative budget, address the public and MPs among other roles,” he said.
According to Ojwang’ the leader of the opposition will have two deputies and will be fully facilitated so as to ensure they perform their duties as required.
Other recommendations by NADCO include the entrenchment of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund.
They also recommended that all arms of government reduce their travel budgets by 50 per cent and that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission review daily subsistence allowances for state and public officers with a view to reducing them by 30 per cent among others.