Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has thrown his weight behind the Senate’s push to entrench its authority as the Upper House through constitutional amendments.
Appearing in the Senate during an informal session on the contentious fourth revenue-sharing formula, Odinga emphasized the need for legal reforms to strengthen the Senate’s legislative and oversight role in safeguarding devolution.
“Senate should play its role, just like the National Assembly has a role to play,” Odinga said during a press briefing. “Let’s see our Senate work like the one in the USA. Let’s give it proper powers and responsibilities.”
Odinga’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the Senate and National Assembly over parallel proposals to amend the Constitution.
Senators have vowed to resist attempts by their National Assembly counterparts to anchor the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) in the Constitution—an initiative they claim undermines the separation of powers.
The ODM leader criticized the National Assembly’s move, warning that lawmakers should not usurp executive functions under the guise of development.
“National Assembly and Senate form Parliament and their role is to represent, legislate, and oversight,” he stated. “The Executive implements, and the Judiciary interprets the laws. That’s the balance we must maintain.”
To steer their constitutional agenda, senators have established a special team comprising both Majority and Minority leadership, alongside legal minds including Senior Counsels Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, and nominated Senator Catherine Mumma.
One of the key proposals under consideration is to empower the Senate to deliberate on money bills—a long-standing source of contention. Currently, the Constitution bars the Senate from handling such bills, despite their direct impact on county governments.
Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi expressed skepticism over the National Assembly’s proposed amendment, dismissing it as a ploy to entice senators with the promise of a Senate Oversight Fund.
“We don’t want the Senate Oversight Fund if it’s being used to bribe us into passing an unconstitutional CDF,” Osotsi declared. “Instead, we will push for real reforms that give the Senate more authority.”
Osotsi further argued that any move to entrench NG-CDF should be subjected to a public referendum, not a parliamentary initiative.
“Raila Odinga has stood firm with us. The Constitution is clear on this matter. If they want to change it, let them go to the people,” he said.