President William Ruto has defended a push to create the office of the official opposition leader, saying the position will make the group more effective in keeping the government in check.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Wanjohi Primary School grounds in Nyandarua county, on Sunday, December 11, 2022, the Head of State indicated that his government is committed to supporting the oversight role of the opposition for the benefit of all Kenyans.
Reacting to recent calls for protests from the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition, Ruto asked the opposition to perform their oversight role in a ‘peaceful and patriotic manner’.
“We are not afraid of being kept in check but it should be done in a patriotic manner. We encourage our friends in the opposition. We have no quarrel with them doing whatever it is that they are doing as an opposition to keep their oversight role. All we are asking them is that we must do this in an environment of peace and being patriots so that we can do what is good for the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.
The President added that empowering the opposition would enhance much-needed cooperation in transforming the country.
“I am a great believer in an accountable government and that is what we want our oversight institutions to be empowered so that they can help us run an accountable government which will bring transformation,” President Ruto added.
