Senator Ali Roba of Mandera says he intends to initiate an amendment to the constitution to abolish the requirement of a presidential or gubernatorial running mate.
Roba, who served as Mandera governor for two terms, implied that electing a president or a governor alongside their deputies gives the latter a sense of grandeur, which hinders performance through insubordination.
The lawmaker wants the deputy president and deputy governor posts be appointive.
He said he would propose that the president or a governor appoint their deputies after being sworn into office.
"I will propose amendments to the constitution and relevant acts to eliminate the requirement for running mates in gubernatorial and presidential elections. Instead, elected governors and the president would appoint their deputies after the election. This change aims to reduce instances of insubordination by ensuring a more cohesive working relationship between leaders and their deputies," he said.
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Roba's proposition comes at a time when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces impeachment.
He is facing, among other alleged charges, abuse of office, involvement in corruption and sabotaging President William Ruto's administration.
In his public pronouncements, Gachagua often suggested he was equal to Ruto, having been jointly elected with over 7 million votes.
The deputy president would often hold that he is answerable to Kenyans, who have the power to fire him other than his boss.
