By KPC Reporter
Debate has emerged over Raila Odinga’s next job after some leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) called for total implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, including constitutional amendments to create the position of Prime Minister (PM).
The move, spearheaded by Nandi Senator Samson Kiprotich Arap Cherargei, is seen as an attempt to provide the opposition leader and former PM Odinga with a political landing after his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
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Senator Cherargei defended the proposal, arguing that Raila’s vast political experience and contributions to Kenya’s democracy should not go to waste.
“This is the only way we can appreciate and reward him for his fight for the rule of law and democracy in Kenya,” Cherargei stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding that Africa had mishandled Raila’s AUC bid.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who chairs the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, separately backed Cherargei’s call to accommodate Odinga within the government structure.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Day Break program on Monday, Koech hinted at a possible reconsideration of the NADCO report as a way to integrate the opposition leader.
“We could relook at the NADCO report,” Koech stated, signaling a potential shift within the Kenya Kwanza Alliance on the matter.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, a close ally of dinga, has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the creation of PM’s position through a referendum, challenging the Kenya Kwanza government to first ensure reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Amisi questioned the ruling coalition’s sudden support for a referendum, reminding them of their past opposition to similar constitutional changes.
He argued that any plebiscite should only proceed after a fully constituted electoral body is in place.
“Dear Kenya Kwanza, you now want a referendum to make Raila Odinga an Executive Prime Minister—a process you fiercely opposed during your Tanga Tanga days. Fine, let’s have it, but first, fully constitute a new IEBC and use it to conduct the more than five pending by-elections,” Amisi stated in a post on X.
According to the legislator, the outcome of the by-elections would serve as a clear political litmus test before embarking on a nationwide referendum.
“The results of the by-elections shall be your referendum results. This will be an objective, simple, clear, specific, measurable, accurate, reliable, and time-bound process, delivering results in record time with fewer resources,” he added.
Amisi’s remarks reflect growing skepticism within the opposition ranks, with many questioning the sincerity of the Kenya Kwanza government’s push to amend the Constitution.
On her part, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, dismissed the push for a PM’s position through the implementation of the NADCO report, calling it a deceptive political maneuver designed to keep Odinga preoccupied.
“Kenya Kwanza is preparing for another lie… A Prime Minister through NADCO report implementation—just to keep Baba busy. It’s a long con,” Wamuchomba said on X platform on Monday.
However, political analyst Otieno Mak’Oluoch dismissed the proposal, warning against expanding the executive at a time when the country is struggling with ballooning recurrent expenditure and economic hardships.
“At a time when we should be reducing government spending, how does adding more positions help ordinary Kenyans? Raila has made his contributions, and history will remember him as one of Africa’s greatest leaders. That is enough,” Mak’Oluoch argued.
Gatimu Kinyua echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Kenya should not be treated as a retirement package for political veterans.
“If Raila’s leadership is truly brilliant, why does it always require constitutional amendments and backroom deals to stay relevant? If NADCO is the plan, just admit it’s elite bargaining, not a solution for Kenyans,” Kinyua said.
Meanwhile, political commentator Kiarie Kagure took a more satirical approach, suggesting that President William Ruto should demonstrate his newfound goodwill toward Raila by appointing him Deputy President and then resigning.
“That way, Raila becomes president without the country wasting a single cent. Everyone wins—Ruto silences his critics, and Kenya benefits from the old man’s ‘brilliant leadership and experience,’” Kagure quipped.
Kenya Kwanza critics have accused them of using the NADCO process to create the position of PM to benefit opposition leader Raila Odinga.
In a strongly worded statement by the DFF Movement, they have dismissed the push for a referendum, arguing that it is not driven by the interests of ordinary Kenyans but by political survival and self-preservation.
“This sudden urgency comes after their failed attempt to secure the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship and is clearly intended to benefit one individual – Raila Odinga. This is not about the people; it is about political survival and personal interests,” the statement read in part.
They challenged pro-NADCO lawmakers to publicly explain how the proposed constitutional changes would address pressing national issues such as unemployment, the high cost of living, corruption, and governance failures.
“If they cannot provide convincing answers, then their push for a referendum is nothing more than a selfish political scheme,” they added.
The statement further accused the ruling administration of fearing Odinga’s political influence and attempting to manipulate the constitution for personal gains rather than focusing on fulfilling their campaign promises.
“The greatest fear of the ruling regime is Raila Odinga’s ability to keep them accountable. Instead of manipulating the constitution for personal gains, they should focus on upholding democracy and delivering on their pledges to Kenyans,” they said.
