Kenyan Opposition Has Failed in its Role, President Uhuru Writes on Washington Times

The Kenyan Opposition has failed in its role of keeping the government in its toes, President Kenyatta now claims.

In an opinion piece published in The Washington Times , the head of state accused Raila-led brigade of engaging in theatrics that “may keep them in the newspapers, but they do not make them relevant”.

President Kenyatta further claims the Opposition scored poorly in its role of keeping government accountable and raising questions about key government programmes in his first term, a mandate he says Kenyans bestowed on them.

On democracy, Kenyatta says the country has made significant strides over the past years including a fearless and free press, an operational devolved governance, a more independent judiciary, and a vibrant multiparty democracy.

“I believe there remains a final element unaccounted for in Kenya — required for our multiparty democracy to reach full maturity: a strong, bold and inquisitive elected opposition," the President writes.

"One that holds government accountable for performance, the implementation of promises, and use of public money,” the President wrote in the opinion dated December 18th.

In the 769-word opinion headlined, Uhuru says the country needs a vibrant, credible and honest opposition.

“We have an Opposition that is competitive in elections, capable of rallying thousands to their cause, and with considerable strength in Parliament."

"However, for the past five years as key government decisions were made — on infrastructure programmes, education, health and on military action against Al-Shabaab — none faced the serious scrutiny that should be expected from an opposition in Parliament,” he said.

“Instead of focusing on bread-and-butter issues, they have sought a new referendum on Kenya’s constitution — a document they helped create.”