Lean senate, Prime Minister and other changes that Raila's ODM party want in push for referendum

5 changes that Raila’s party want in push for a referendum

Charles Ouma

January 27, 2019 12:42 PM

Details of proposals by ODM that will generate heated debate

File image of ODM leaders together with party leader Raila Odinga addressing the press at Orange House in Nairobi

The push for constitutional amendments led by opposition chief Raila Odinga is crystalizing into five broad changes that could see Kenya’s governance structure change significantly with some positions scrapped off and new ones created.

In its radical proposal, the party wants the positions of Woman Representatives and Senators would be scrapped.

The party further wants the 47 counties collapsed into 14 administrative units managed by premier governors in a move that will save the taxpayer several billions of shillings.

Under the new proposals, each administrative unit shall pick two representatives to sit in the senate, bringing the total to 28.

ODM chairman John Mbadi confirmed that the party is currently fine tuning the proposals, some of which are likely to generate a lot of debate as the push for a referendum gathers momentum.

“We know there are some proposals that will generate debate. If adopted, some of them will inform the ballot questions at the referendum,” Mbadi said during a recent interview.

ODM chair John Mbadi Pulse Live Kenya

“What will change is the management of the counties because they will now be answerable to the regional heads of premier governors.’’ Mbadi stated.

President Kenyatta shares stand with ODM

The party is also keen on creating a hybrid system that will have the post of Prime minister and a President.

This is a stand that is shared with President Uhuru Kenyatta ho in his recent visit to Kisumu acknowledged that there is need to address the winner takes it all perception that has seen Kenya witness hotly contested and often dividsive elctions.

President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing Kisumu County residents during a recent visit Pulse Live Kenya

“If the issue of the winner takes it all is the problem each election cycle, then there is need to re look the root cause of the problem and resolve it within legal bounds,’’ the President said.

Devolution still remains at the heart of the party’s proposal with a recommendation that 45 per cent be disbursed to the counties.

Charles Ouma