“I believe that the idea of Official Opposition, above and beyond mere minority parliamentary leadership, makes tremendous sense in terms of institutionalising governance, strengthening oversight and deepening democracy,” Ruto said.
The President’s decision to send this letter must have been informed by two facts: first, the elephant in the room that is the settled 2022 election that others believe has been settled and, two, the issue of Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga.
As the Ruto himself has acknowledged, even in victory, the victor must acknowledge that whoever comes second in a presidential election often has a huge following behind him and, therefore, must be accorded a level of respect and deference.
This is particularly poignant if a vast majority of the supporters of the losing candidate are bitter — be it for genuine or imaginary reasons.
The President’s proposal to have Parliament pass a constitutional amendment to create the opposition office was, therefore, a welcome move that was unfortunately overtaken by events and now remains in limbo.
There is no doubt it is only Raila who can presently hold that office.
However, holding that title and office would be no consolation prize to the Azimio leader's supporters who maintain he won the presidency.
The President is also right that having the office will strengthen oversight and deepen democracy. Raila has for decades done just that, namely, holdng governments to account and helping deepen democracy.
But the alternative cannot be what others suggest and that is a forced 'handshake'. The hardliners on the President’s side want none of that, while the hardliners on Raila camp want that and more.
Indeed, if I was the president, I would make sure the office is not just established for show, but is given ample budget, facilities and personnel. This is to ensure the office holder is comfortable and happy to retire after his or her tenure as opposed to rolling up their sleeves in readiness to do battle one more time.
Raila, being the celebrated figure that he is, could use the office to continue making a difference in several ways. He could use the office to work with the government by organising the biggest bash for our country’s 60th birthday and bring to a close to the liberation struggle, ushering in a more and better united country.
While many hold the view that the ODM chief is the only one who can give the President a run for his money come 2027, wiser counsel would be for Raila to simply be content in the new office.
Legal analyst and political commentator
