PM post needs to have trappings of power, Kalonzo

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (left) alongside National Chairman Chirau Ali Mwakwere addressing a press conference at party headquarters in Nairobi. [David Njaaga/Standard]

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has proposed changes to the privileges and powers of the prime minister's position proposed in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) task force report.

Speaking a day after the launch of the report that recommends the creation of a premier's post, and whose holder would be appointed by the president and vetted by Parliament, Kalonzo said the position was not properly conceptualised.

“I don’t know why the team was so mean on the prime minister. He earns just like an MP,” the Wiper leader said in Nairobi when he addressed the media after the party’s National Election Council meeting.

Kalonzo said although there was the argument of cutting cost, it was unfair that the prime minister would not enjoy responsibility allowance, among other benefits, that the office deserves.

"Relevant adjustments should be made to ensure that more powers are given to the individual who will be appointed to serve in the recommended position," he said.

Kalonzo expressed confidence that BBI proposals would sail through, but said it was unclear whether the changes would be done through a referendum or popular vote.

“It is still early, and we have many deliberations ahead,” he said, adding that some of the suggestions he submitted to the task force had been considered.

The party leader said the issue of gender parity should not be ignored as the country engages in discussions regarding changes in leadership.

He, however, noted that it was not practical to insist that one of the country's three top executives must be a woman.

Kalonzo, who was one of the speakers during the report's launch at the Bomas of Kenya, said his party supported the document but members were yet to delve further in the report and communicate their findings and suggestions to their supporters and the general public.

To achieve a practical consensus regarding the needed changes in the country, Kalonzo proposed that the task-force that is yet to be formed to look into the proposed changes be drawn from different ethnic communities and religions.

“The formation of the task-force should be all-inclusive. What we are getting into is a very important beginning for our country," he said.

Meanwhile, Wiper chairman Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the party would conduct grassroots elections early next year.