ODM distances itself from debate on proposed Prime Minister post

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has distanced itself from a debate on the controversial Prime Minister post.

Speaking to Ramogi FM, ODM Director of Political Affairs Opiyo Wandayi strongly condemned reports claiming that the party is pushing for the PM post.

”The reports are malicious and represents the highest level of irresponsible reporting by the press,” Wandayi said.

On Wednesday, two local newspapers ran two different stories with both citing sources from Tuesday’s meeting.

One newspaper alleged that ODM is pushing for a powerful Prime Minister while the other published a story contradicting the claims.

Wandayi said the press conference that followed an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting did not mention the debate over a proposed Prime Minister .

According to him, the only issues addressed were the employment terms of ”Election Returning officers and government Procurement officers.”

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna echoed Wandayi’s sentiments saying: ”Papers must carry news only and not be agents of misinformation. If you are confused by the contradictory stories in today’s dailies it is because Standard chose journalism while Daily Nation went with their imagination. Nothing in Daily Nation story is factual.”

President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday launched the much-anticipated BBI report on November 27.

In it are propositions for a Prime Minister’s slot, a mixed cabinet, and allocation of more resources to county governments.

The Executive, according to BBI, should include the President, a Deputy President, a Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers.

The proposed Prime Minister is to be an elected member of the National Assembly.

The President shall nominate a Prime Minister, whose appointment must be approved by the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister, according to the BBI report, shall control and supervise execution of day-to-day functions and affairs of the government.

The Prime Minister shall also be leader of government business in Parliament and chair of Cabinet Sub-committees.

Report by Victor Lolwe