NYANDARUA, Kenya, Dec 11 – National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa now says the proposal to amend the Constitution and create the office of the Official Opposition is meant to strengthen democracy and is not a sweet deal or a handshake.
Speaking in Nyandarua County during an interdenominational church service attended by President William Ruto Sunday, Ichung’wa said the move will ensure the government is properly held into account.
“I have understood, and I am sure it is your understanding that the position you are seeking Parliament’s support for, is not a position for an individual and it is not a sweet deal for anybody. It is a position that will strengthen and deepen our democracy and create greater accountability in government because you want to be accountable to the people of Kenya,” Ichung’wa said.
He further reiterated that Members of Parliament will carefully consider the proposals, initiate public participation and do the right thing to ensure Kenyans are well served by the Kenya Kwanza government.
“Those of us in Parliament in both Houses we shall consider your memorandum; we shall consider all other proposals that will come and we will subject them to public participation so that we also get to hear the will of the people of Kenya,” he said.
“That position is not for an individual. I know there is someone out there thinking that the proposal is a sweet deal for them to stop correcting the government. I want to those getting confused to wake up. There is no sweet deal or handshake in your proposal.”
The Head of State has written to Parliament to consider introducing constitutional amendment Bills to set up the Office of Opposition Leader and Constituency Development Fund.
He also proposed an increase in the number of nominated MPs and asked Parliament to amend standing orders to allow Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) to directly answer questions on the floor of the House as an oversight mechanism.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on his part said that the Kenya Kwanza government is ready to work with every leader to unite the country and bring equitable development across all the 47 counties.
He welcomed former Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia and Former Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki to Kenya Kwanza Government after they accompanied other leaders for the thanksgiving.
“I am asking our people from this region to feel welcomed. We know they had lost their way during campaigns but that is in the past now. Governor Kimemia I used to be on your case but that is over now. Let us all work together and bring this country together,” he said.
