Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei has proposed amending the 2010 Constitution to create new positions that could accommodate several opposition leaders, including Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Roots Party Leader George Wajackoya, and DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, as part of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report implementation.

The proposal comes amid discussions about potential governance reforms following ODM leader Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission chairperson position.

It builds upon earlier suggestions from both Cherargei and Belgut MP Nelson Koech about creating a Prime Minister position for Raila.

In a statement shared on his X account on February 18, 2025, Senator Cherargei outlined that the constitutional amendments would extend beyond the Prime Minister’s position to establish an Office of the Official Opposition Leader.

“In the NADCO report, we shall amend the Constitution of 2010. Apart from the creation of the office of the Prime Minister; we shall also create the office of the official opposition leader to ensure election losers get a chance to critique the government of the day constructively,” Cherargei stated.

According to Cherargei, the proposed opposition leader would have a seat in parliament alongside deputies.

“This office of the official opposition leader shall be funded by taxpayers to ensure dignity, integrity, and accountability. This leader shall sit in parliament & his deputies,” Cherargei said.

The senator emphasized that the new position would strengthen Kenya’s democratic framework while addressing post-election challenges.

“It will also promote democracy in our country. This shall ensure in Kenya we don’t have bitter losers,” Cherargei noted.

Support for NADCO reforms

The NADCO Report, which emerged from bipartisan negotiations following the contested 2022 elections, has become central to discussions about reforming Kenya’s governance structure.

Both Cherargei and Koech have been particularly vocal about creating a role for Raila within the government.

In a statement posted on his X account on February 17, 2025, Cherargei argued for the importance of utilizing Raila’s political experience.

“We cannot allow such brilliant leadership and experience to go to waste the way the African 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.” Cherargei stated.

Belgut MP Nelson Koech, speaking in a televised interview on February 17, 2025, reinforced these sentiments, calling for the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition to find a suitable position for Odinga.

“We have to find a structure that will accommodate him – Raila Odinga. Whichever position 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.