Raila Unveils Proposed Constitutional Changes To Tame Rogue MPs
The former Prime Minister is calling for changes to the Constitution that will make the task of MPs switching political sides and retaining their seats more difficult.
Marvin Chege 
Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, on Thursday, April 6 renewed calls for amendments to the Constitution that will punish rebel Members of Parliament (MP) who change their loyalties.
Addressing the Azimio la Umoja Parliamentary Group Meeting in Machakos County, Raila lamented that some MPs elected under the coalition had gone rogue and needed to be stopped for blatantly disobeying directives of the parties that sponsored their road to the 13th Parliament.
The former Prime Minister is calling for changes to the Constitution that will make the task of MPs switching political sides and retaining their seats more difficult.
“We recommend changes in the law that will instil party discipline by requiring MPs who cross party lines after the elections to seek a fresh mandate from the electorate and to allow parties to replace nominated MPs who cross party lines,” Raila stated.
Raila Odinga speaking during a past session. /FILE
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader is also proposing for the changes to include him being allocated powers to replace nominated MPs who switched sides politically.
"Initiate legislation to address the electoral, governance and economic gaps identified during the inquiry for consideration by the Houses as appropriate," Raila stated.
This came after President William Ruto on February 7, 2023, hosted a section of ODM party lawmakers for talks at State House, Nairobi and included Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East, Independent) Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo), John Owino (Awendo) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
The President stated at the time that "Leaders must join hands, foster coexistence and work together in confronting the challenges facing our country. They must endeavour to lead by example and serve the interest of the people. This is a sure route to a more united and developed Kenya."
Raila is also pushing for reforms to the Constitution of Kenya 2010 that also includes the winner-takes-it-all system, expressing concern that the Kenya Kwanza government was the biggest beneficiary of the system in place.
Even though he did not outright push for the revival of the Building Bridges Initiatives (BBI), he was clear that Azimio was exploring the reforms of the 13-year-old Constitution, further claiming that President William Ruto was abusing his powers.
“We are driven by the concern that despite the 2010 constitution our political culture retains a winner takes it all system. This is what has clearly been demonstrated by the UDA regime. This monopoly of power can only be rectified with a thoughtful deliberative process involving all Kenyans.
“We need a proper constitutional review to cure the governance indifference in the 2010 constitution and remove an imperial presidency. In our dialogue with Kenya Kwanza we will be putting this matter on the table,” Raila stated.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna meanwhile disclosed that Raila had ordered Azimio leaders to avoid discussing the bipartisan talks that will jeopardize the environment for the coalition to hold discussions.
"We will not listen to some of the leaders in Kenya Kwanza but will wait for President William Ruto to speak because he is the one who initiated these talks," he stated.
On the recall of demonstrations on Monday, April 10, Sifuna noted that it was up to the President to decide.
"If the cost of a 2kg-packet of maize flour would not have dropped to Ksh100 by Easter, then we will have no other option but to go back to the streets," he noted.
