MPs propose presidential aspirants run for Parliamentary seats

Presidential aspirants who lose in presidential elections may soon find their way back to Parliament should the National Assembly support a proposal to amend the Constitution to allow such aspirants to contest for different positions or even get nominated by their parties.

The current law bars presidential aspirants from contesting for other political positions.

West Pokot Senator, John Lonyangapuo, argues that the current scenario sends some presidential candidates into political oblivion, hence the need to amend the Constitution.

“A leader like Raila Odinga should be serving as Senator or even MP so that he can unite his supporters in Parliament, but he is now out in the cold, enough reason why there are divisions in CORD,” said Lonyangapuo.

Sigowet/Soin lawmaker, Justice Kemei, however, opposes the proposal saying it takes the country backward instead of progressing it politically.

Sentiments echoed by his Yatta counterpart Francis Mwangangi and lawyer Edwin Sifuna.

“If you fail to trounce your competitors, then just concede and go home. This proposal is not healthy to politicians,” argued Mwangangi.

After losing in the 2013 election, a section of CORD leaders had sought ways for some MPs to sacrifice their posts to warrant a by-election to allow Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka back to Parliament. The move was, however, rejected.

Any such amendment of the law requires a constitutional referendum.