Raila Intensifies Push for Constitutional Reforms

National Super Alliance(NASA) leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday declared that for his agreement with President Uhuru Kenyatta to be fully implemented, a referendum on the Constitution is inevitable.

Speaking during his meeting with the ODM 's National Executive Council (NEC) in Gilgil, Nakuru County, Odinga told his party members to be ready for a referendum.

"Addressing some of these issues may require changes to some of our laws and even amendments to the Constitution. When that time comes, we must be bold enough to pick up the challenge as a matter of duty to the nation,” Raila told the NEC.

[caption caption="File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga"][/caption]

He also noted that there are problems that need to be tackled to ensure that the 2022 elections do not trigger conflict as has been witnessed in the past elections, which would require amendments to the Constitution. 

The Opposition leader further announced that there would be a series of public events across the country to outline to Kenyans the terms of the March 9 agreement with the President.

Odinga added that to deliver the reforms, his party was prepared to work with old and new allies in the Opposition and in Government.

The ODM party leader further challenged his members to lead in the campaign for the rebirth of the nation within the next one year.

The ODM leader exclaimed that he together with the Head of State had identified ethnic antagonism, lack of national ethos, inclusivity, strengthening devolution, ending divisive elections, ensuring safety and security of the people, ending corruption and ensuring shared prosperity as issues Kenya had to address to create a nation at peace with itself.

Although Mr Odinga did not outrightly specify what positions he wants to be introduced in the Executive, he has in the past called for the re-introduction of the Bomas draft constitution that proposed a parliamentary system headed by a prime minister.

However, Deputy President William Ruto has in the past dismissed calls for a plebiscite, claiming that the country cannot afford to create positions for individuals.

[caption caption="File image of Deputy President William Ruto and NASA leader Raila Odinga"][/caption]

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