Despite often holding official government meetings and giving consultancy, President Uhuru Kenyatta's government does not pay opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Mr Odinga's spokesman Dennis Onyango on Thursday told the Nation that his boss does not have any official position in government other than his continental assignments.
According to Mr Onyango, Odinga is only facilitated by relevant ministries whenever he holds functions across the country. He has out his focus on Agriculture, Energy and Infrastructural Development.
“Officially, his role is that of the AU infrastructure representative and relevant government agencies have been told to work with him and facilitate his travel wherever he goes,” Mr Onyango said.
He said Mr Odinga has been helping address issues concerning sectors he is passionate about, like infrastructure, afforestation and agriculture.
“Occasionally, some ministers call to consult him on various matters,” added Mr Onyango.
Trade and Industrialization CS Peter Munya confirmed that President Uhuru Kenyatta asked his ministers to work closely with Odinga on serious matters where he's passionate about.
The former Meru governor said the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga changed the political dynamics adding that the government officials have no otherwise other than working with Raila.
“People have to face the reality. There’s no need to read politics. If we are to unite the country, we should work with everyone and spread development everywhere, including areas perceived to be opposition zones.”
Mr Munya added: “When the Building Bridges Initiative was signed by President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga, it signalled that we should work with Mr Odinga because he, too, is Kenyan.”
The former Prime Minister has often held meetings with several ministers, raising questions about his role in government. He also makes pronouncements on critical government policies.