With referendum debate picking momentum ahead of 2022 elections, Deputy President William Ruto could consider dropping his presidential bid, a close ally has hinted.
Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa said Ruto's camp was ready for a referendum to amend the constitution, even if it will bring about the creation of executive Prime Minister (PM) post.
Barasa, who is a vocal member of Ruto's Tanga Tanga faction, said they will advise their leader to shift focus from the presidency and go for the powerful seat.
"We welcome the referendum but if the intention of those fronting it is to create the position of a powerful Prime Minister, we will advise Dr William Ruto to go for it because that position is not reserved for a specific person," the MP tweeted on Friday.
There have been proposals to change the system of governance from presidential to parliamentary, where the powers of the President will be trimmed and taken to executive Prime Minister.
In the proposed system, the PM is the leader of the party with the largest number of members in the National Assembly.
The party leader is typically elected by party delegates during party elections.
Political bigwigs led by Raila Odinga (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), in their presentations to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), proposed creation of PM position and two deputies.
Early this year, Ruto said he was ready for the referendum, whatever system of government will be created.
"I am ready for the referendum. If they want us to go the parliamentary system way, I will be willing to go for it. I don't fear anything. If they want the presidential system, I am equally ready," the DP said while in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu County.