Editor's Review

According to Kenya's 2010 Constitution, one is declared president-elect in an election after garnering 50 per cent plus one.

Gatundu South Moses Kuria MP now wants the Constitution amended to include a clause that will direct the formation of a government of national unity in the event a presidential candidate gets the minimum  50 per cent plus one but fails to get above 60 per cent of the votes.

In his new year message to Kenyans, the MP said there is a need to accommodate all politicians in the event there is no clear winner, which to him he says is an outcome where the victor gets less than 60 per cent.

" I wish that we add some amendments in the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill 2021. That if you do not get 60 per cent of Presidential votes you form a government of national unity.

"Yes as a country we are where if you get 50 per cent plus one you form a government. But as a fragile country we need a government of national unity when one gets less than 60 per cent," Kuria said.

According to Kenya's 2010 Constitution, one is declared president-elect in an election after garnering 50 per cent plus one.

If no one gets the required threshold, IEBC organizes a presidential re-run in which the winner becomes the President.

{DP Ruto ranked the front runner by opinion polls. Image: Courtesy}

Kuria appeal comes as the country heads to a General Elections with opinion polls indicating that no presidential aspirant is enjoying the support of over 50 per cent of Kenyans.

In the last two General elections that the country has held since the 2010 constitution became operational, no Presidential candidate attained over 60 per cent.

President Uhuru Kenyatta who has been the winner of the two presidential elections garnered slightly above 50 per cent plus one, save for the 2017 repeat elections.