Raila for Prime Minister! UDA leaders push for constitutional changes after AUC loss

Political leaders within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) are now calling for a constitutional amendment that would create a position for Raila Odinga in government, following his loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has proposed the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which includes amending the 2010 Constitution to reintroduce the Prime Minister's position.

"We must now fully implement the NADCO Report by amending the Constitution through creating the office of the Prime Minister (PM) and allowing Rt. Hon. Baba Raila Odinga to serve Kenyans in that capacity," Cherargei said on Monday.

"We cannot allow such brilliant leadership and experience to go to waste the way the African Union did. This is the only way we can appreciate and reward him for his fight for the rule of law and democracy in Kenya."

Belgut MP Nelson Koech echoed similar sentiments during an interview on Citizen TV on Monday, suggesting that Odinga’s experience and political acumen should not go unutilised.

"Raila Odinga has returned home. What will he do with his energy, wisdom, and experience? Kenya Kwanza should consider him for a position in government. I think we, in Kenya Kwanza, should accommodate his experience, advice, and counsel to help better our country and our society," Koech said.

"We will probably look at the NADCO report and see what it says, and it is not even about positions for Raila Odinga. It is really about the resource that he is and what he can offer the country."

When asked if the position in question was that of Prime Minister, Koech responded, "Whichever position accommodates him, we have to find it."

Future role

Odinga’s loss in the AUC chairmanship race has also reignited discussions on his future role in Kenyan politics. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua suggested that Odinga’s political journey was not yet over, stating that Kenya still had "unfinished business" with the opposition leader.

"Africa needed you (Raila Odinga) most, but God, in His own wisdom, found that Kenya, your motherland, and indeed, we Kenyans, your beloved brothers and sisters, have unfinished business with you as their coveted son as we unshackle our country from recklessness," Gachagua said on Sunday.

Odinga, who has vied for Kenya’s presidency five times, was backed by President William Ruto in his bid for the AUC role. His campaign ended in defeat after a seven-round voting process in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday, February 15.

In the first two rounds, Odinga led with 20 and 22 votes, respectively, but Djibouti’s candidate, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, gained ground in the subsequent rounds, eventually securing victory. Odinga's loss now places his political future in question, particularly after a recent High Court ruling declared Azimio la Umoja as the majority party in Parliament.

Following his defeat, Odinga acknowledged Ruto’s support, dispelling any speculation of betrayal.

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“There will be a lot of blame games: I did not do much as expected; I am tired and too old; Ruto was not genuine in supporting me… Ruto did everything possible for this campaign. He gave me all the logistical support I needed and made my appointments to meet all leaders on the continent,” Odinga said during a dinner in Addis Ababa after the election.

“I walk with my head tall,” he added.

Disappointment

President Ruto also expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating, "I regret that Africa missed an opportunity to be served by the finest of our continent."

As the political landscape shifts, there are growing indications that Kenya Kwanza may seek to integrate Odinga into government through constitutional amendments, a move that could redefine the country’s governance structure.

Among the five main proposals, the NADCO report proposed the creation of the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition, which would be occupied by the leader of the largest party or coalition that received the second-highest number of votes in the previous presidential election. The proposal also includes appointing at least two deputies to this office.

Additionally, the committee, co-chaired by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka of the Azimio Coalition and Kimani Ichung’wah from the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, recommended the establishment of the Office of Prime Minister. The Prime Minister would be nominated by the President and must be approved by the National Assembly before being appointed.

Other recommendations from the report included conducting an audit of the 2022 electoral process, addressing the high cost of living, entrenching funding into the constitution, and upholding the principles of multiparty democracy.

Former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio emphasised that Raila will not retire from politics, despite his AUC loss.

Poghisio argued that the "real Raila" is set to return and it will be difficult for him to step away from political involvement.

“Raila is not the kind of person who is going to retire from politics. I think the real Raila is coming back and it will be difficult for him to just let go of this country,” Poghisio said.

He added that the only way forward for Raila is to revisit the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and create a new position that would allow him to continue playing a significant role in the country's political landscape.

"The only thing I see is us going back to the BBI and creating a position that he can participate in," he said.

Poghisio emphasised Raila's long-standing dedication to standing up for the marginalised, asserting that the former prime minister is not one to walk away from his duties.

"Raila might play a 'Nusu Mkate' move in Addis or Kenya, but we know Raila by his character – he stands up for the weak and oppressed," he said, adding that it would be impossible for Raila to give up on the country after the AUC loss.

He noted that creating a new role for Raila through BBI would be the best way to honour his contributions to Kenya’s democracy.