I'm not creating a job for you, Ruto to Raila

President William Ruto during a joint media interview at State House, Nairobi on January 4, 2023. [Standard]

President William Ruto has said that his proposal to have the Office of the Official Leader of the Opposition created is not targeted at giving Raila Odinga a formal job.

Speaking to journalists at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, January 4, during a joint media interview, the president said he is more interested in encouraging accountability in his government.

“I am not creating a job for anyone,” Ruto said.

“I want to create an office that promotes accountability in my government. In a democracy, being power-drunk is very easy, especially if there are no checks and balances,” he said.

“The office of the official leader of the opposition is an institution, it’s not a for a specific person. That’s why I’m proposing that the Standing Orders in Parliament be adjusted to enable ministers to answer MPs’ questions.”

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader Raila Odinga has accused President Ruto of attempting to reintroduce BBI proposals, including the establishment of the office of the opposition leader, through the backdoor.

The Head of State has since written to Speakers Moses Wetangula (National Assembly) and Amason Kingi (Senate) to consider the introduction of constitutional amendment bills to set up the Office of Opposition Leader.