- His remarks come against the backdrop of proposed plans to amend the constitution and create the office of the official opposition leader.
- The proposal was sent to Parliament by President William Ruto.
Image: Screengrab
Migori senator Eddie Oketch now says that Azimio leader Raila Odinga is doing Kenyans a favour by keeping President William Ruto's government in check.
Speaking on Monday, Oketch said the Constitution does not recognise an 'opposition leader' office.
He said Kenya uses a presidential system, and what is recognised is the majority and minority sides in the Senate and National Assembly.
The senator said Raila has been vocal in articulating key issues affecting Kenyans including the high cost of living as a statesman.
"Raila Odinga is not in any of the Houses, when it comes to leadership and governance, in terms of keeping the government in check," Oketch said on K24 TV.
"Raila is doing Kenyans a favour by coming out as a statesman to talk about issues that Kenyans talk about, which at the moment include the serious issues of the cost of living."
His remarks come against the backdrop of proposed plans to amend the constitution and create the office of the official opposition leader.
The proposal was sent to Parliament by President William Ruto.
While many quotas believe the office is Ruto's way of reaching out to ODM leader Raila Odinga, his allies have sharply disagreed.
They insist that the position is not being created for Raila, who lost to Ruto in the August 9 presidential election.
"I'm aware there are Kenyans who imagine this position is another way of appeasing a particular person or leader," National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah said.
"Let me state for the record, this proposal is not to create a position either for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, neither Kalonzo Musyoka or Martha Karua. This is a position we seek to create for posterity."
Since getting into office, Ruto has insisted that he wants to see a vibrant opposition in place.