Saturday 22nd February, 2025 05:24 PM|

Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei has renewed calls for the appointment of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to government, suggesting that he should serve as the Prime Minister.

Speaking in Kapsabet town, Nandi County, on February 22, 2025, while distributing training kits to local football and volleyball teams, Cherargei argued that Raila’s experience and leadership would help President William Ruto deliver on his agenda.

He emphasized the need for the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which he believes should pave the way for Raila’s return to government.

“We want Raila to return now. I have said the NADCO report must be fully implemented. We want Raila to come back to his former Prime Minister position and continue with his work,” Cherargei stated.

He stressed that the infrastructure from Raila’s previous tenure as Prime Minister remains intact, asserting that this move would allow Raila to contribute to national development and stability.

“Even his prime minister’s vehicles and flag are still available, and the office still exists. He should return to that prime minister’s office and help President William Ruto deliver for the betterment of this country,” he added.

The senator, a staunch ally of President Ruto, argued that Raila’s age and political experience make him well-suited for an advisory role within the government.

“Given his age, isn’t he qualified for a position to provide guidance to the nation? So let him come and be Prime Cabinet Secretary, occupy that position alongside the president and other leaders, and let’s build a Kenya focused on development,” he remarked.

In a statement shared on his X account on February 18, 2025, Cherargei outlined broader plans to amend the 2010 Constitution as part of the NADCO report implementation.

The proposed changes would create new positions to accommodate various opposition leaders, including Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Roots Party Leader George Wajackoya, and DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa.

“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.

The senator explained that the proposed opposition leader’s office would be funded by taxpayers and include parliamentary representation.

“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.

During a Senate session on February 19, 2025, Cherargei expressed confidence that a political alliance between Ruto and Raila would significantly boost the president’s re-election prospects in 2027.

“I want to assure you that with the support of Raila Amollo Odinga, William Ruto will be re-elected by over 80% of the vote… This is a broad-based government, and may it long live under the leadership of William Ruto and Raila Odinga,” Cherargei affirmed.

In a media interview on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Kitui Central Member of Parliament (MP) Makali Mulu also urged Raila to join the government.

The legislator elaborated that if Raila chooses to collaborate with President William Ruto’s administration under the NADCO report, he could hold a significant position.

“Raila needs to be in the government. Now that he is back, we could accommodate him. In short, just approve the NADCO report. If we approve the report, we will have positions that he can easily occupy and allow Kenyans to benefit from his many years of experience,” Mulu stated.