Leaders aligned with the board-based arrangements are exploring potential constitutional amendments, according to United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominated MP Jackson Kosgei.
During a radio interview on Tuesday, the MP disclosed that ongoing discussions between the UDA and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will lead to significant constitutional changes, particularly regarding the executive.
"From your discussions yesterday, you are saying that there are some laws which do not support the kinds of development you people want. Are you telling the nation right now that Kenyans should be ready for recommendations to amend the constitution after the talks are over?’’ the radio presenter asked.
To which the MP answered, “Absolutely yes, we are looking at such changes; we are looking at referendums, and such.”
The MP explained that these are changes that Kenya has always seen in previous National Assemblies, and they would not be new.
"First of all, it's in the leadership, that is, the governance structure of the country. As we are, with recommendations like we had in the BBI, we are trying to ask ourselves, as leaders and Kenyans, do we need to expand the executive and change it from a pure presidential system and change it to parliamentary, or add such kinds of changes?’’ the MP explained.
The MP also revealed that they are also looking into devolutionary laws to consider whether they would support devolution further or champion its reduction.
‘’We want to make sure that every county is able to get sufficient funding during the budget allocation, and these are changes which must be done, and we are looking into that and others,’’ the MP continued.
ODM and UDA party leaders and MPs met on Monday, a meeting that saw them resolve to fast-track the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, as well as the 10-point agenda signed earlier this year, in a move that points to their political truce and shared reform agenda.
The meeting was their first-ever joint parliamentary group session, where the MPs from the two rival parties agreed on an implementation matrix that sets clear timelines for the process.
President William Ruto's allies have consistently shown interest in amending the constitution, particularly in extending the presidential term limit. Led by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, the leaders' calls have been supported by several UDA leaders.
In 2020, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila attempted to introduce constitutional changes through the Building Bridges Initiative. The BBI proposed constitutional amendments via a popular initiative, including executive expansion, new constituency creation, and judicial reforms.
However, the courts declared it unconstitutional.
