This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
Kenya's Majority Leader in Parliament, Aden Duale, has made a surprise U-turn on constitutional reforms, now backing a system where the Prime Minister has executive powers.
Speaking in Garissa, Duale said that Kenya would be better off with a parliamentary system where the Prime Minister has the power to lead the government.
He also stated that this would ensure that the government is inclusive and that political conflicts are resolved.
According to Duale, the Prime Minister should be elected by the party or coalition with the majority of seats in Parliament or by a joint sitting of Parliament and the Senate.
"We want a Kenya where every child has an equal opportunity, a Kenya where anyone from the pastoralist community can be elected as President," Duale said.
He added, "As pastoralist communities, we support a parliamentary system. Let a party or coalition with a majority of seats in Parliament elect the Prime Minister. The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) should not waste time," he said.
Duale's change of heart comes as a surprise, given his previous opposition to constitutional reforms and his criticism of ODM leader Raila Odinga's push for changes.
However, his new stance is seen as a significant development in the country's politics, especially ahead of the 2022 general elections.
Source: Tuko
