Increased calls for 'katiba' amendment

President Kenyatta and Jubilee team

SUMMARY

• A week after the repeat presidential election, party says minimum reforms will address current political stalemate
• Change in hardline position for no reforms comes amid calls by clergy for creation of Prime Minister Office

The Jubilee Party has radically toned down its opposition to constitutional amendments demanded by the Opposition, the National Super Alliance (NASA).

Just a week after the repeat presidential elections won by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Jubilee Party has welcomed NASA's calls for reforms, saying they would address the current political agitations.

The thawing of their hardline position could likely bring to reality a possibility of changes to the much-acclaimed 2010 Constitution.

On Tuesday, religious leaders under the umbrella of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) called for change in law to create the position of Prime Minister and two deputies, alongside the establishment of an office for the leader of opposition.

According to NCCK Secretary-General Peter Karanja, the additional posts would help reduce the tension experienced in the country each election's year and at the same time promote cohesiveness.

On Wednesday, NASA also laid down a six point-plan that will among others lead to a possible change of the 2010 Constitution on the structure of the Executive.

Key among their proposals is the creation of the position of Prime Minister and his deputies and an enhanced office of the official opposition leader.

Yesterday, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale said Jubilee was ready to support minimum reforms to the Constitution to address some of the issues raised by the Opposition.

“As Jubilee, we will support a parliamentary process and any amendments to the Constitution that is in the interest of 45 million Kenyans. We cannot change the law to award jobs to a few political elites,” he told Saturday Standard.

According to Duale, the church and other Kenyans are free to come up with proposals on how to address the issues dividing the country.

However, he warned that it will be unfair to introduce amendments to the law to give power to some individuals.

Cherang’any MP Joshua Kutuny suggested that any intervention to resolve the ongoing political stalemate must be focused on strengthening institutions and not giving politicians a soft landing.

More positions

“In as much as anybody can come up with amendments to the 2010 Constitution, the proposed changes should strengthen existing institutions to boost their credibility,” Kutuny said.

The Opposition has been calling for reforms in the law.

In the run-up to the August 8 elections, NASA had in its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) suggested the creation of a Prime Minister position, which was to be held by ANC partly leader Musalia Mudavadi if it won the elections. Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula and former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto were to act as deputies. 

In its proposals, NCCK said the country requires additional leadership positions to solve problems of the winner-takes-it-all presidential system.