President William Ruto was accused of planning to tame former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by creating the office of the Official Leader of the Opposition.
During an interview on Citizen TV on Friday, December 9, Lang'ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o alleged that the move aimed to reduce Raila's influence in the country.
According to the emcee-turned-lawmaker, Raila would be engaged in official duties other than with Kenyans.
He added that the oversight of the government would only be effective if Raila did not hold any office.
"It will be used to try and tame Raila. If it comes to pass, we will have no other option but to follow what the Constitution says.
"I believe in the streets as they are more effective than any office. The streets advocated for the 2010 Constitution. Public participation has changed a lot of matters in the country," he stated.
He also accused Ruto of double speaking, stating that the Kenya Kwanza administration was looking to bring back the nullified Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
"This is not something that you wake up and advocate for. They are bringing back proposals that were enshrined in the BBI.
"Knowing their numbers in Parliament and how they are whipped, it will come to pass," he stated.
However, according to Kenya Kwanza, the proposal to create the office was Ruto's way of uniting the country.
National Assembly Majority Whip, Silvanus Osoro, stated that Ruto was extending an olive branch to his competitor in the August 9 polls.
"Raila got 6.9 million votes, it is only fair to give him a good office to operate from and keep the government in check. We recognise the efforts he has made for the country," Osoro asserted.
The lawmaker's arguments were echoed by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairman, Johnson Muthama, who indicated that giving Raila powers would help the country move forward after the polls.
"Ruto won with 7.2 million votes, and Raila received 6.9 million votes. If you look at Raila, are you saying the person does not deserve to have an office or car fueled up to reach his supporters? he wondered.
Among the proposals being fronted by both sides include funding of the office and powers to address Parliament once a year, among others.
Roots Party leader, George Wajackoyah, however, argued that the proposal would only serve better if he shared the office with Raila.
“The intention to have the Office of the Official opposition is a welcome move, but it should be split into two to allow Raila to be the chief Opposition leader while I become another opposition leader,” Wajackoyah, who came third in the August 9 General Election, told Nation Africa on Thursday, December 8.
