Raila signals a referendum by 2024
Azimio One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga has hinted to possible efforts in renewing push for a constitutional change by 2024 before the next electoral cycle in 2027 targeting to reform the electoral body and the Judiciary.
Raila spoke yesterday during an ongoing Azimio Parliamentary Group (PG) retreat in Machakos County attended by his coalition’s deputy and Narc-Kenya’s party boss Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper Party where they unanimously agreed on a roadmap to push changes to better the Judiciary and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by 2024 and ahead the 2027 general elections.
“Parliament must stand up and preserve our multi-party politics. When the law does not rule, thuggery does. We have a responsibility as Azimio to take charge and use our majority in Parliament to keep this government in check.” Odinga said.
The Raila lead team is pondering over two paths to achieving the said reforms; the parliamentary route or a popular initiative way, which would culminate in a referendum.
He pointed out that the reforms may include the laying off of the entire IEBC and replacing the electoral body with a new team.
“You have noticed the corruption, incompetence and capture of the IEBC. You have noticed the corruption and thuggery of the Supreme Court judges. The words used against us have never been used in our courts even in the dark days of single-party rule,” Odinga told Azimio affiliated lawmakers.
He signaled preparations are underway to organise a one million people peaceful demonstration and march to the Judiciary to call for the eviction of “rogue” Supreme Court judges.
This was his first public appearance after jetting back from a holiday in Zanzibar on Thursday with the family and since the September 15 Supreme Court ruling that upheld President William Ruto’s victory as declared by IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
Raila has pointed an accusing finger alleging interference by the Executive to independent institutions.
The team criticised the “demeaning language” used by the seven top court judges claiming that it has eroded confidence in the Judiciary and scared away other poll losers with plans to file petitions in lower courts.
So far 104 magistrates and judges are set to hear and determine disputed elections countrywide of the August polls.
On the other hand, their Kenya Kwanza Alliance counterparts insists that reforms in public institutions will have to be subjected to public participation to avoid being abused by the political class.
“The 2010 constitution is a progressive document. The problem is not these institutions but non-acceptance of election results by Raila. The agenda of Tinga (Raila) is to create crisis and anarchy by undermining institutions yet he has no substantive reasons as to why he wants to do it because he lost the election,” Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said.
