Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, along with MPs Nelson Koech (Belgut) and Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), have led the calls for Raila Odinga’s inclusion in government, citing his vast political experience and contributions to Kenya’s democracy. “We must now fully implement the NADCO report by amending the Constitution to create the office of Prime Minister and allow Raila to serve Kenyans in that capacity. This is the only way we can recognise and reward him,” Cherargei said in a statement
Allies of President William Ruto have reignited the debate on creating the position of Prime Minister as they seek to keep former Premier Raila Odinga within their political fold ahead of the 2027 General Election. Concerned that Raila, whom President Ruto had unsuccessfully lobbied for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, might align with the opposition or declare his own presidential bid, Ruto’s allies now argue that establishing the Prime Minister’s office would secure his continued involvement in the country’s government.
To achieve this, the lawmakers are advocating for the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which proposed constitutional amendments to introduce the position.
However, the push to expand the executive has faced resistance from sections of the public and some of Raila’s own allies, who have vowed to challenge any attempts to alter the Constitution. Critics argue that the government is already bloated and warn that such amendments could undermine democratic processes.
The NADCO report, a product of bipartisan negotiations following the disputed 2022 elections and the subsequent anti-government protests led by Raila, proposed sweeping legal and governance reforms. Among these was the introduction of new executive roles, including the Prime Minister and Leader of the Official Opposition.
The National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee has, however, rejected the proposal to establish an official opposition leader’s position, arguing that such a change would require a national referendum. Despite this, some legislators insist on pushing forward with plans to create the Prime Minister’s office.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, along with MPs Nelson Koech (Belgut) and Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), has led the calls for Raila’s inclusion in government, citing his vast political experience and contributions to Kenya’s democracy.
“We must now fully implement the NADCO report by amending the Constitution to create the office of Prime Minister and allow Raila to serve Kenyans in that capacity. This is the only way we can recognise and reward him,” Cherargei said in a statement.
His remarks, however, may not sit well with Kenya’s younger generation, many of whom have accused Raila of leveraging their pro-reform demonstrations for political bargaining. In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), Cherargei further criticised the African Union for rejecting Raila’s bid for AUC chairmanship, arguing that Kenya should not make the same mistake of failing to utilise his experience.
“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,” he wrote. Koech, who chairs the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, echoed these sentiments during a television interview.
“Raila Odinga is coming back home. What would he be doing with his energy, wisdom, and experience? We in Kenya Kwanza should accommodate him. His counsel and advice would be invaluable in strengthening governance and management in this country,” Koech said.
He further suggested that the government must find a suitable structure to integrate Raila into its framework. “We could re-examine the NADCO report. We could even go further and establish the office of Prime Minister,” he stated.
Koech clarified that this proposed position would be distinct from Musalia Mudavadi’s current role as Prime Cabinet Secretary. “He is not a Prime Minister; he is a Prime Cabinet Secretary. But I am merely expressing a thought,” Koech added. The debate is expected to intensify as the push for constitutional amendments faces both political and legal hurdles.
