There have been a lot of talks revolving around the state of the opposition especially after the now famous handshake and the building bridges initiative that is now taking shape.
Orange Democratic leaders led by Siaya Senator James Orengo have come out to quell any fears that the opposition is in it’s death bed.
” Some people are expressing fears that the opposition is dead” but that “nothing could be further from the truth.” said Orengo.
The Siaya senator explained that the new found close working relationship between opposition leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta has created an environment suitable for reforms through a referendum.
Mr Orengo expressed optimism about the referendum, which he termed the best way to end impunity.
“Kenya must make the desired changes to realise reforms and end impunity,” he said in Gem Sub-county on Saturday, during the funeral of Mr Joshua Marenya, who worked with Dr Otiende Amollo at Rachier & Amollo Advocates.
Regarding the succession debate, he said Mr Odinga deserves to lead Kenya because of the sacrifices he has made for it and for championing democracy and devolution.
Mr Orengo also said the president should intensify the war on corruption and ensure there are no sacred cows.
While appreciating the government’s effort in the fight, the senator said much more needs to be done to guarantee fairness and justice.
Positions and social classes should not hamper efforts against the vice as it has continued to impoverish Kenyans, he said.
“President Kenyatta should take the war on corruption a notch higher and ensure no one is spared as he attempts to sanitise the country and take it back to the path of economic recovery,” he said
Citing cases in Korea, Singapore and Malaysia, the majority leader pointed out that there are no ‘high or low’ individuals when it comes to dealing with people who have plundered public resources.
“Kenya should emulate countries such as the Philippines where three former presidents have been locked up for misusing public resources,” he said.
Dr Amollo, who is Rarieda member of parliament (MP), said the handshake will not silence legislators and prevent them from defending the rights of the people who supported and voted for them.
“I know some people are expressing fear that we have abandoned them. I assure you that I am preparing to go to court in defence of the victims of last year’s post-election violence,” noted the MP.
Do you believe the Opposition is still relevant given the current state of Kenyan Politics?