This archive report was first published on 13 October 2019.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's influence over constitutional change in Kenya has been significantly strengthened following the rejection of the Punguza Mizigo bill by County Assemblies.
The bill, which aimed to reduce the size of the parliament and create a more parsimonious government, was met with fierce opposition from the four mainstream political parties in Kenya.
According to analysts, the rejection of the bill has given the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) a monopoly on constitutional change, with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Odinga emerging as the dominant forces in the initiative.
Mr Odinga's hand in shaping the architecture of the Kenyatta II succession has been greatly strengthened, with the BBI emerging as the preferred route to change the Constitution.
While the BBI is packaged as a unifying force for Kenyans, it is seen by many as Mr Odinga's vehicle for pole position in the presidential succession.
Mr Odinga has used the BBI to attack Deputy President William Ruto, accusing him of corrupting clergy in a bid to buy the presidency with mammon.
The BBI's report, which is expected to be launched soon, is seen as a crucial document that will shape the future of Kenya's Constitution.
However, the report's recommendations are shrouded in mystery, with some analysts suggesting that it may not recommend a referendum on the Constitution.
Instead, the BBI may recommend changing the Constitution through Parliament, a move that has raised eyebrows among constitutionalists.
For Deputy President William Ruto, the BBI's report will be a major setback, with many analysts predicting that it will recommend changes that will reduce his influence in the presidential succession.
