This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
October 11, 2019
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga's push for a constitutional change to a parliamentary system of government has sparked concerns in the Mount Kenya region.
Some leaders in the region, who had previously supported Raila ahead of the 2022 general elections, are now unsettled by his preferred government system.
The parliamentary system appears to favor the coastal and western regions, which have more constituencies, leaving the Mount Kenya region feeling disadvantaged.
Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria has expressed his opposition to the proposed change, stating that Central Kenya would reject any proposal to change the governance system as long as the constituencies remain unchanged.
With only 64 of the 290 constituencies, the Mount Kenya region feels that they would have limited representation in a parliamentary system, making a presidential system more appealing.
Despite gaining support due to the Handshake between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila's push for a parliamentary system is conflicting with his support in the Mount Kenya region.
The region has shown signs of warming up to Raila's possible candidature in the 2022 race, with Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru declaring her support for him.
