Council of Governors' (CoG) Chair Wycliffe Oparanya might soon collide with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga with regards to the referendum debate.
While Raila is rooting for changes through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), Oparanya, the ODM Deputy Party Leader, has insisted on pushing the Ugatuzi Initiative forward.
The Kakamega Governor now says that the CoG is working with the County Assemblies Forum (CAF), to officially kick off the signature collection exercise, to push for the amendments.
He says that the way forward with regards to the exercise and the entire referendum issue will be determined after a meeting slated for Monday.
“We’ll meet as CoG and strategize for the Ugatuzi initiative. We’ll then go and explain it to county assemblies before we start collecting signatures,” Oparanya told Daily Nation in an interview.
But this is a contradiction to Raila, who had said that the only referendum bid that should stand is the BBI one, which enjoys his backing and that of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Among the proposals in the Ugatuzi Initiative is the creation of the Prime Minister's slot, and creation of 18 Cabinet Ministries and 22 Deputy Ministerial slots.
BBI is yet to table its proposals but it is believed that it will be pushing for the introduction of the Prime Ministerial slot, more executive seats, and, according to Raila's allies, a return to the parliamentary system.
And while Raila's push is being lauded as the one which will ensure inclusivity prevails, the CoG's seeks to strengthen the devolved units.
Also in the race is Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot-led Punguza Mizigo bill, which is having it hard at the County Assemblies, where it seeks the backing of at least 24 to proceed.
Of all the 8 assemblies that have debated the bill, which seeks to reduce elective representation, only one has passed it.