In a rare change of tune, Deputy President William Ruto’s lieutenants have changed the tune to throw their weight behind the recommendations by the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) task-force.
Making a brief comment of his Twitter handle, senate majority leader Senator Kipchumba Murkomen wrote the words. “So far, so good. Twende kazi.”
This was after DP Ruto joined President Kenyatta and Raila Odinga at State House to receive the recommendations from the task-force formed in March 2018.
While the report is set to be released to members of the public on Wednesday, its contents have leaked to the media.
So far so good. Twende Kazi!
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) November 26, 2019
In a distinct departure from speculations of a pure Parliamentary system, the report, according to Citizen TV, has proposed a powerful President who will appoint a Prime Minister from among the elected members of Parliament to be the leader of Government business in the house.
Ainabkoi MP William Chepkut would also wade into the discussion remarking that DP Ruto stands a chance of becoming the powerful Prime Minister in charge of the day-to-day running of Government business.
“What if William Ruto pulls a surprise and says yes to BBI? He equally stands a bigger chance of becoming the “Powerful Prime Minister”, since he has got numbers in the August House. Mine is What If?” wrote Chepkut.
What if William Ruto pulls a surprise and says yes to BBI? He equally stands a bigger chance of becoming the "Powerful Prime Minister", since he has got numbers in the August House. Mine is What If? #OneKenya #BBIKenya #Youth4BBI #BBIReport
— Hon. William Chepkut (@Chepkut_William) November 26, 2019
On his part, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa flatly supported the recommendations contained in the BBI report noting that the issues canvassed evaded a divisive referendum.
“Since they have ceded to our demands and avoided the Tsunami that could have washed away the bridges that H.E Uhuru Kenyatta and DP Ruto have built since 2013,” Barasa wrote.
Now the BBI Task force has avoided the divisive referendum and reckons that the issues raised can be prosecuted through the parliamentary process.I wish to declare my support for this report.
— Didmus Barasa – OGW (@DidmusWaBarasa) November 26, 2019
Notably, the report has also introduced a new system where the first runners-up in the General Elections gets automatically nominated to Parliament where s/he forms the official Opposition complete with a shadow cabinet.
In the new arrangement, the President will have to consult with the Prime Minister to appoint Cabinet Ministers from either within or without Parliament.
From the first impression of the BBI report, I have faith that we can sort all of the items proposed therein through Constitutional amendments by way of Parliamentary initiative as contemplated under Article 256. @citizentvkenya @dailynation @K24Tv
— Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) November 26, 2019
Even though most of us who genuinely desired a Parliamentary system have not achieved it through the BBI, I have strong faith that we can achieve all the proposals contained in the BBI report WITHOUT referendum, which will definitely be divisive, with winners and losers.
— Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) November 26, 2019
Establishment of the position of a Prime Minister appointed by the President with approval of the House is achievable by amending the Constitution without causing a referendum. @StandardKenya @TheStarKenya
— Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) November 26, 2019
Such persons will definitely face off with the leader of the opposition (Minority Party) in the House on oversight and accountability aspects of Parliament.
I will make a comprehensive statement. Once I read the full document. @CapitalFMKenya @ntvkenya @KBCChannel1 @dailynation
— Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) November 26, 2019