MP Otiende Amollo Warns Broad-Based Government May Weaken Parliamentary Scrutiny

Kenya’s broad-based government is facing growing concern over its impact on parliamentary oversight, with critics warning that the inclusive political arrangement may be weakening the role of the legislature.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has cautioned that the model, while intended to promote unity and stability, has reduced opposition and scrutiny within Parliament. Speaking on Spice FM, Otiende said the cooperative nature of the executive has made it harder for lawmakers to challenge government proposals effectively.

“I can tell you that while the broad-based government is a good thing for this country, one of the unintended effects it has had on Parliament is to reduce the level of scrutiny and opposition to bills that may not be good,” he said.

As a constitutional lawyer, Otiende stressed that questioning government actions should not be seen as opposing the unity arrangement. He noted that MPs who raise issues are often unfairly labelled as critics of the coalition, which he described as a worrying trend for democratic accountability.

“Some of us who question this are then said to be opposed to the broad-based government. I am one, for example, because I raise questions during debate, and some people have concluded that I am among those opposed,” he said.

Otiende clarified that he supports the goals of the broad-based government but insisted that parliamentary oversight must remain strong. He referred to the coalition’s 10-point framework, saying it does not require unconditional support for all government legislation.

“I support the broad-based government, but that 10-point framework agreement does not say anywhere that we must support legislation and proposals even if they are not correct,” he added.

The broad-based government was formalised on 7 March 2025 through a memorandum of understanding between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga, then leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The agreement between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM aimed to ease post-election tensions and promote inclusive governance.

At the signing, Raila described the pact as a step toward addressing Kenya’s social, economic, and political challenges. “We have agreed to build our country rather than tear it down,” he said.