This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
Published on October 28, 2019, by IBRAHIM ORUKO, a Nation journalist.
Aden Duale, the National Assembly Majority Leader, has reiterated his support for a parliamentary system of government, echoing the Bomas Draft proposals. He believes this system is the only way to break the cycle of tension and bloodshed that accompanies every general election.
However, Duale is adamant that he will not support a referendum to amend the current structure. Instead, he suggests that the decision on the system of governance should be put to Kenyans during the 2022 elections to reduce costs.
The 2010 Constitution stipulates that a referendum must be held to change the structure of the executive. Duale's stance has been met with criticism from some leaders, including Moses Kuria, who warn that Duale's campaign is a ploy to derail a sober debate on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
Duale has also taken aim at leaders from the Mt Kenya region, accusing them of supporting the tyranny of numbers, which he claims has marginalized minority communities. He argues that the Constitution defines Kenya in terms of land mass and population, and that the big five tribes have historically disadvantaged communities in the north.
“I cannot advocate for a referendum because it will lead to divisive campaigns that will derail President Kenyatta’s legacy projects,” Duale said in an interview with the Nation.
He also warned that if leaders from the Mt Kenya region insist on their one-man one-vote call, the people of northern Kenya will demand one-kilometre one-vote, highlighting the need for inclusive representation.
