Azimio to form shadow Cabinet to put Ruto government in check

According to Oparanya, Azimio will constitute a shadow Cabinet as part of plans to have a steadfast opposition that has been missing in Kenya's politics for the last decade.

"We want the office of the official opposition leader to receive funding from the Exchequer to ensure the country has a strong opposition that guarantees Kenyans checks and balances in the structures of government," said the former county chief.

On the question of some of its members, like former Kisii Governor James Ongwae, shifting allegiance to Ruto, Oparanya said Azimio was not worried because the move would not have a major impact on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's coalition.

"Majority of elected governors and MPs in the Azimio camp have remained loyal to the coalition," he said.

Oparanya said the planned meeting that will be chaired by Raila who is away on a two-week vacation will address many issues that will make the opposition strong.

Kakamega deputy governor-elect Ayub Savula. [Stephen Nzioka, Standard]

"We are putting our house in order and even if we remain 10 people, we will ensure that we play our opposition role effectively," he said.

Oparanya has lashed out at Azimio leaders trooping to Kenya Kwanza, terming their actions as electoral fraud.

"You cannot be talking of Azimio this week and next week cross over to Kenya Kwanza because you're being driven by greed for favours from the government," argued Oparanya.

The former county chief said Ruto ought to stop enticing Azimio politicians with promises because such actions could take Kenya back to the days of one-party rule.

"It is against the constitution for the president-elect to woo those in Azimio at the expense of the opposition. We are a multi-party democracy but what he (Ruto) is doing is meant to weaken the opposition and should be condemned," said Oparanya.

According to Oparanya, Azimio will not be distracted by the defections being witnessed "because the outfit remains strong just like was the case during the last regime."

Political analyst cum lawyer Ken Echesa said Ruto should not welcome the defectors.

"They should stay in the opposition to ensure the government delivers on its mandate," said Echesa.