The majority of Kenyans support the creation of the position of the Official Leader of the Opposition and strongly oppose the existence of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
This is according to a poll released by TIFA on Thursday.
The survey on the State of Kenyan Politics found that 45% of Kenyans strongly support the creation of the Official Leader of the Opposition position, while 21% strongly oppose this move.
Another 17% said they are somewhat in support of the creation of the position. While 13% are undecided, only 5% oppose the creation of an opposition leader’s office.
On the other hand, a majority of Kenyans (31%) strongly oppose the current Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, held by Musalia Mudavadi.
While 27 % of Kenyans strongly support Mudavadi’s office, 15% are somehow in support, 20% are undecided, and 7% somehow oppose the office.
The creation of the position of the Official Leader of the Opposition as well as the existence of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary is one of five issues tabled for discussion in the ongoing bipartisan talks.
Mudavadi’s office was created under Executive order No. 1 of 2023, and he is tasked with; assisting the President and his deputy in coordination and supervision of ministries and state departments, oversee the implementation of National Government policies, programs and projects, among other roles as may be assigned by the President.
In regards to the position of the Official Leader of the Opposition, President William Ruto has previously stated that he is in support of creation of the position. Ruto said he is even ready to fund it, if it will allow them keep the government in check better.
“If they want us to create the office of the leader of opposition, I am ready to fund with the government of Kenya. He (Raila Odinga) will be releasing statements from morning till evening on where the government is lacking. I have no problem,” he said, while speaking in Bungoma in August 27, 2023.
Among other issues tabled for discussion in the bipartisan talks include; outstanding Constitutional matters, electoral justice and related matters, entrenching funds into the Constitution, and fidelity to Political Parties/Coalitions and the law on multiparty democracy.
The poll by TIFA showed that a majority of Kenyans (48%) strongly support the talks, 19% strongly oppose, 16% somehow support, 13% are undecided and 4% somehow oppose the bipartisan talks.
However, 48 % of Kenyans believe Raila Odinga’s acceptance of the opposition leader position will make the opposition weaker, while 36% believe it will make them stronger. Another 16% are of the opinion that it will not make any difference.
