National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday night admitted that there have been significant changes in his role after the March 9 handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
While maintaining that he is still the Opposition leader and not any way part of the Jubilee Government, Mr. Odinga stated that his role in keeping the Government in check has completely taken a different shift as there was now more collaboration with the President.
The former Prime Minister also noted that he also has an easy time accessing President Kenyatta highlighting that it was now much easier and effective to be an Opposition leader.
He added that unlike in the recent past when he would expose vile in the country by holding press conferences and combating leaders head-on, at the moment he is able to call the Head of State and witness action being taken immediately.
"I am the head of Opposition, NASA, and ODM. That gives me sufficient locus standi to call President Uhuru Kenyatta and tell him that this is not right and should be done this way.
"I previously used to call a press conference and expose bad things that are happening in the Government but no action was being taken. But right now I can call the president with holding a press conference and action is taken," he said.
Mr. Odinga said that this new working relationship with Mr. Kenyatta was new in Africa and many influential leaders have expressed interest to travel to Kenya in a bid to learn from the two leaders.
He insisted that a Government that works together was beneficial for Kenyans adding that if things are being done rightly, there is no need for him to be in Government.
Odinga’s explanation comes at a time speculation have been rife that he was given an ambassadorial position after his handshake with Mr. Kenyatta.
The Opposition head has hosted several world leaders after calling it truce with Mr Kenyatta. He has also traveled abroad on several occassions, where he represented the interests of the country.
At the same time, Mr Odinga maintained that the Opposition was still keeping the Government accountable and it's role has not been affected in any way.