The Prime Minister proposed in the BBI report is set to take a hefty pay package according to Siaya Senator James Orengo.
Speaking on Citizen TV, on Tuesday night, January 7, 2020, the senator explained that the aim of creating the new powerful position was to foster inclusivity and accountability.
When asked to clarify ODM party leader Raila Odinga's remarks that the proposed Prime Minister would form part of the executive and be remunerated at the same level, his answer was simply 'yes', before going on to explain their prefered structure.
"Our preference is a parliamentary system. This means the executive is answerable and accountable to parliament in a direct fashion, he explained.
"We have never propagated a position where the president of this country is elected by a college," he added.
The remuneration issue was a stark contrast to the BBI report which stated that the PM would control, supervise and execute day-to-day functions and affairs of the government.
"He shall also lead Government Business in the National Assembly. He/She will chair Cabinet sub-committees. However, he will continue to earn a salary as an MP with no additional salary for the prime ministerial role," reads a section of the report.
However, the senator reiterated that his party still prefered to have the Executive in Parliament, being accountable to the people.
On December 23, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto, made it clear that he had no issue with the systems proposed under the BBI initiative, as long as Kenyans were involved in the process.
“If they want a parliamentary system, presidential system or whatever name it will be called, so long as the people decide, it is fine.
“I have never known Kenyans for being unable to make their own independent decisions,” added Ruto.
Interestingly, Ruto's allies have recently changed their tune in regards to the DP's dream of a 2022 presidential run, in favour of the new PM post.
According to a report by Citizen TV, Tinderet MP Julius Melly told a crowd that Ruto was better off seeking the PM post if it will be made most powerful by the proposed Building Bridges Initiative (BBI)
"We have decided that if the BBI will seek a referendum, and because we know the executive powers and if we shall have a powerful prime minister's position, we shall want him to contest for that," stated the leader.
Here's the video of Orengo's interview:
