Raila’s PM role in sight after Oburu Odinga’s Senate committee win – Nandi senator
The prospect of Raila Odinga securing a top executive role gained momentum on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after Oburu Odinga, his elder brother, was unanimously elected as the chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee.
Nandi Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei, a close ally of President William Ruto, congratulated Oburu on his election while hinting at broader political changes, including the potential appointment of Raila as Prime Minister or Prime Cabinet Secretary.
“Congratulations my colleague Senator Oburu Odinga for been elected unanimously as the senate chairperson of Energy committee. Next is Baba Raila Odinga as the PM /PCS in the National executive,” Cherargei posted on X.
Cherargei emphasized the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to forming a broad-based government, with changes expected both in the executive and Parliament to enhance service delivery across the country.
“We are further broadening and widening the broadbased government both in the executive and Parliament. This shall ensure a seamless service delivery across the country.
“In the near future & incoming changes soon of Permanent secretaries ( PSs) and other appointments shall FULLY reflect Broadbased Government,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened speculation that Raila Odinga, after losing the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson bid, could be tapped for a prominent role in the national executive.
President Ruto and his allies have remained tight-lipped on the matter, but recent political manoeuvres suggest behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway.
Speaking during a televised interview on Monday, February 17, 2025, Belgut MP Nelson Koech emphasized that the ruling coalition must find a place for Raila, citing his experience and political influence.
“I am not thinking there will be any changes, but I think, like the President said, this should give birth to another moment. In politics, when you are confronted with such a statement, it’s something huge,” Koech remarked.
“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,” he added.
Koech suggested revisiting the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report to explore possible solutions.
The NADCO Report, a product of negotiations between former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration and the opposition, sought to address governance and constitutional reforms following the disputed 2022 elections.
“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.
“Whichever structure that accommodates honourable Raila Odinga to continue doing his job I think… We would probably look at the NADCO report and see what the NADCO report says,” he added.
Koech went a step further by floating the idea of creating a Prime Minister post for Raila Odinga, a suggestion that reignites discussions about a possible constitutional amendment.
“We could even do better by having the office of the Prime Minister,” he stated.
When asked about the fate of Musalia Mudavadi, the current Prime Cabinet Secretary, Koech dismissed any concerns, emphasizing that Mudavadi’s position was distinct from a Prime Minister’s role.
“He’s not a Prime Minister; he’s a Prime Cabinet Secretary. But I am just saying, I am having a wild thought,” Koech clarified.
Oburu Odinga’s election is seen by some political observers as a strategic move to solidify Raila’s influence within Parliament while paving the way for broader political realignments.
While supporters of the Odinga family celebrate the Senate victory, critics argue that the developments could signal increased political patronage rather than a merit-based approach to governance.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes remain on President Ruto and Raila Odinga amid speculation over the composition of the national executive in the coming weeks.
Leave a Reply