According to a joint report by the National Assembly and Senate, Raila Odinga’s push for the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report which proposes the creation of the Leader of Opposition and Prime Minister offices faces significant hurdles.
Following the presentation of the Nadco report to the President and Raila, the administration decided to avoid a referendum by establishing the two offices outside the Parliament, although their coalitions disagreed on the execution roadmap.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a member of the committee and the UDA Secretary for Legal Affairs, together with Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina have argued that it would be fruitless for the President to re-introduce the recommendations in any means other than those permitted by the Constitution.
“The only door open for the government to implement the Bill has now been closed following our committee’s rejection and we shall not expect them to bring a replica of the National Accord that saw Raila made the Prime Minister after the post-election violence. If they truly believe in what they want to do, let them bring the referendum as they seek to change the basic structure of governance,” he said.
Njeri Maina, another member of the team, reaffirmed her opposition to any attempts to amend the Constitution to create politically motivated positions.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga has been touring over the country, claiming to be discussing with his followers about whether to formally join the Ruto government.
Some interpret these tours as an effort to persuade his allies about his intention to solidify a political alliance with Ruto. So far, the ODM leader has visited Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Busia, and the Coast region, with his latest stop being Wajir.
Political observers believe that the Kenya Kwanza administration is unlikely to press for a referendum at this time, given its diminishing popularity as a result of issues such as abductions, high living costs, and challenges with the Social Health Authority.
“The timing of Raila’s demands on the implementation of Nadco is bad because the government is unpopular and regardless of how impactful the referendum could be, they would say no to protest against the government,” says Dr Charles Nganga of JKUAT.
By Standard