Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Belgut MP Nelson Koech have reignited discussions around creating a Prime Minister position for ODM party leader Raila Odinga, following his recent loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson race.

The proposal, which draws from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report, has elicited mixed reactions from various political factions.

The NADCO Report, which emerged from bipartisan negotiations after the contested 2022 elections, proposed significant governance reforms, including the potential establishment of new executive positions.

In a statement posted on his X account on February 17, 2025, Cherargei called for the full implementation of the NADCO Report through constitutional amendments.

“We must now fully implement the NADCO Report by amending the Constitution 2010 by creating the office of the Prime Minister (PM) and allowing Rt. Hon. Baba Raila Odinga to serve Kenyans in that capacity,” Cherargei wrote.

The Senator emphasized the importance of utilizing Raila’s experience in Kenya’s governance structure.

“We cannot allow such brilliant leadership and experience to go waste the way Africa Union did it. This is the only way we can appreciate and reward him for his fight for the rule of law and democracy in Kenya,” he added.

Raila in government

Speaking in a televised interview on the same day, Belgut MP Nelson Koech echoed Cherargei’s sentiments, calling on the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition to create a suitable role for Odinga in government.

“Raila Odinga is coming back home. What would Raila Odinga be doing with his energy, with his wisdom, with his experience? I think we in Kenya Kwanza should accommodate him. That experience, that advice, and the counsel that he would give us would help in bettering our country, our society, and our management,” Koech said.

He suggested revisiting the NADCO Report as a framework for creating a position that would be appropriate for Odinga.

“We have to find a structure that will accommodate him – Raila Odinga. Whichever position that accommodates him, we have to find that position. We could relook at the NADCO report,” Koech proposed.

“We could even do better by having the office of the Prime Minister,” he added.

Addressing concerns about potential conflicts with existing positions, Koech clarified that the proposed Prime Minister role would be distinct from Musalia Mudavadi’s current position as Prime Cabinet Secretary.

“He’s not a Prime Minister; he’s a Prime Cabinet Secretary. But I am merely expressing a thought,” Koech clarified.

Dissenting voices

However, the proposal has faced resistance from within Raila’s own Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

In a statement posted on his X account on February 17, 2025, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai dismissed the suggestions as diminishing Odinga’s stature.

“Any arguments for appointing Raila as PM or in such-and-such a position are belittling the stature and role of Raila Odinga in Kenyan society. Baba Raila Odinga is NOT hostage to his very stellar contribution to the country. Baba can build Kenya without insulting appointments,” he stated.