Junet Mohammed to Kalonzo: I’m the Real Opposition Leader

Suna East MP Junet Mohammed has proclaimed himself the official opposition leader in Kenya, basing his claim on his position as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly.

Junet argues that since the Constitution does not explicitly define the Office of Official Opposition, it is logical to consider the Minority Leader as the de facto opposition leader. This declaration has intensified the ongoing debate about leadership within Kenya’s opposition ranks. It comes shortly after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka asserted his own claim to the opposition leadership, following Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairperson seat. Musyoka emphasizes that the Azimio coalition would remain intact despite Odinga’s potential departure and expresses his readiness to lead the opposition.

The political landscape in Kenya has been characterized by a series of leadership claims and counterclaims, particularly within opposition circles. Junet’s assertion has ignited discussions about the necessity of formalizing the Office of Official Opposition. Speaking in Homa Bay on Thursday, Junet revealed that he and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah are sponsoring a bill to reintroduce the position of Leader of Official Opposition in the Constitution. Recent changes within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have bolstered Junet’s position.

Junet was appointed as the new Minority Leader in the National Assembly following the resignation of Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi who was nominated as Cabinet Secretary for Energy. This appointment has further solidified his standing within the party and the opposition. Junet’s political career has been marked by his close association with Raila Odinga and his prominent role within ODM. Known for his loyalty and strategic acumen, Junet has been instrumental in shaping ODM’s political manoeuvres.

The proposed bill to reintroduce the Leader of the Official Opposition in the Constitution aims to provide clarity and structure to the opposition’s role. If passed, this legislation could reshape Kenya’s political dynamics, offering a formal platform for opposition leaders to voice their concerns and challenge government policies effectively. Kalonzo is actively seeking to take the helm of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition. This move comes as Raila Odinga shifts his focus towards pursuing the position of African Union Commission Chairperson. However, Musyoka’s path to leadership is not without significant challenges.

To succeed in his bid, Musyoka must secure support from the majority of the Azimio Council, the coalition’s primary decision-making body. The council consists of several key political figures, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta as the Jubilee party leader and council chairperson, Raila Odinga as the current coalition leader and other members. Complicating matters for Musyoka is the fact that some of his most vocal supporters, including DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, are not members of the Azimio Council.