- A fraction of President William Ruto’s allies is advocating for constitutional amendments to create a Prime Minister position for Raila Odinga.
- Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Belgut MP Nelson Koech are leading calls for the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which includes the proposal.
- Supporters argue that Odinga’s political experience should be utilized within the government.
- Critics warn against potential constitutional overreach and the expansion of the executive branch.
- The proposal echoes the 2021 Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which also sought similar amendments but faced legal and political setbacks.
Following Raila Odinga’s recent defeat in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a faction within President William Ruto’s camp is advocating for constitutional amendments to introduce a Prime Minister position specifically tailored for Odinga.
Leading this initiative are Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who argue that the veteran politician’s experience and leadership should be incorporated into the government. Cherargei has urged the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which recommends the creation of a Prime Minister’s office. Meanwhile, Koech believes a structured approach should be established to integrate Odinga into the current administration.
The proposal has triggered mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Some view it as a strategic effort to foster national unity by bringing an experienced opposition leader into government, ensuring political stability. Others, however, see it as an unnecessary constitutional alteration to accommodate an individual, warning that it could disrupt the balance of power.
Critics argue that expanding the executive structure could set a precedent for politically motivated constitutional changes, raising concerns about governance and accountability.
This is not Kenya’s first debate on constitutional amendments to reshape its executive structure. The 2021 Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) proposed similar changes, including establishing a Prime Minister’s office. However, the initiative faced legal hurdles and was ultimately blocked. The current proposal appears to revive these ideas but with a more specific focus on integrating Odinga into the government.
The push to create a Prime Minister position for Raila Odinga reflects the fluid and often contentious nature of Kenyan politics. As discussions progress, key questions arise regarding constitutional integrity, power dynamics, and the broader implications of altering the governance structure. Whet
