Petition Committee Probes The Petition To Create The Office Of The Leader Of Opposition
Some of the committee members during yesterday's session
By Our Correspondent
The National Assembly’s Public Petition Committee yesterday heard submissions from the National Assembly’s Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah and Leader of Minority Opiyo Wandayi.
The two leaders made submissions concerning a petition before the Committee to amend the Constitution to establish the office of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Official Leader of Opposition.
In a Session chaired by the Vice Chairperson Janet Sitienei (Turbo), Sitienei addressed Ichung’wah’s submission where he agrees that the Office of Leader of Opposition will institutionalize governance, strengthen oversight and deepen democracy.
The chair noted that the President William Ruto wrote to the House in December 2022 to consider the introduction of a constitutional amendment to set up the office of the Leader of Opposition.
In response to the Petitioner’s prayer of “Winner takes it all system”, Opiyo stated that he is in support of a Parliamentary system of government. Given the case he is of the opinion it needs to be done right and if need for a hybrid system, then Kenyans need to be asked.
“What i have to state unequivocally, as a progressive movement we have been of the view that the country should go the Parliamentary System way,” said Opiyo
“Even if we consider to have a ‘mongrel’ system you will have to do it correctly. Any move towards a Parliamentary system, i will support. I wish Kenyans would vote on the BBI, if we were to vote a referendum, my coalition will support,” said Wandayi.
The Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East) led Committee noted that a hybrid system will interfere with the institutional separation of powers that the current Presidential system advances. They also questioned the proposed change in Parliament’s structure which will be tinkered and the financial implications the new offices will have.
Both the committee members and Wandayi agreed that this process needs to have a robust public participation before moving forward.
Sitienei expressed that this proposed amendment could build a more inclusive and participatory democracy in Kenya by enhancing oversight and accountability as well as enhancing completeness and national harmony.
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