Opposition refers to a group of people or political party in a multiparty political system that is opposed to or criticizes continuously the government or political party in power.
In Kenya, the first opposition party was Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU). It was founded in 1960 when several leading politicians refused to join Jomo Kenyatta’s Kenya African National Union (KANU). Since then, Kenya has had many opposition parties.
Later on Kenya has had several opposition parties forming with each new government.
Raila Odinga, a Kenyan businessman and politician who served as prime minister of Kenya from 2008 till 2013, has served and is still serving as the longest opposition leader in Kenya.
Read Also : Raila Odinga in a matatu, heading to work
The opposition is necessary because:
- They watch over the ruling party to prevent the government from being authoritarian and restrict its powers.
- They question the government’s policies.
- They have the right to audit the government’s spending.
- Outside the legislature, they draw the press’s attention and publish their criticism of government policy in the newspapers.
- They lead the Opposition in parliamentary and policy debate.
- They hold the Government accountable and present their views of an alternative government.
- They lead the party in an election; and representing their electorate.
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