UDA MP Calls For The Creation of Opposition Office and that of Prime Minister

Outspoken United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Senator Samson Cherargei has asked that the nation create the office of the official opposition leader, just one day after announcing openly plans to modify the Constitution to add the seat of prime minister.

The already excessive budget will be further increased by the Opposition Leader’s deputies. The senator from Nandi County claims that in order to make the move easier, the two houses of parliament will revise a report that was written by the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

In order to improve representation and governance, the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), which was formed in the wake of the unrest that followed the 2022 elections, suggested, among other things, creating the posts of Prime Minister and Leader of the Official Opposition.

“This will guarantee that there are no bitter or resentful losers in Kenya,” he continued. Cherargei claims that taxpayers will pay for the opposition leader’s office in order to “ensure dignity, integrity, and accountability.”

Along with his deputies, the opposition leader will sit in parliament. Cheragey claimed, “It will also promote democracy in our country.”

After Raila Odinga’s defeat in Addis Ababa on Saturday, Cherargei launched the campaign to implement the amendments on Monday in an effort to make room for him.

Mahmoud Youssouf of Djibouti, who is currently the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), defeated Odinga in his bid to become Africa’s top leader.

Nevertheless, neither the National Assembly nor the Senate have yet to consider the ideas that have been made possible by constitutional revisions.

Kenya will increase the number of top earners in the political structure if the modifications are implemented. Odinga received compensation comparable to that of a Member of Parliament and allowances as a Cabinet Minister during his previous tenure as Prime Minister.

Since there were disagreements regarding his pay, it is uncertain if this will continue to be the case. However, he could be compared to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, whose compensation as of July 2024 is Ksh 990,000 gross monthly, which includes Ksh 200,000 for a dwelling allowance, Ksh 594,000 for a base pay, and Ksh 160,000 for a salary market adjustment.

The monthly remuneration for the Prime Cabinet Secretary is Ksh1,140,000, which includes a special responsibility allowance of Ksh150,000. The costs associated with operating his office are not included in this.