The draft released Tuesday proposes splitting those powers between a president and prime minister similar to the French political system. It also proposes reintroducing a Senate in Kenya that would vet key public appointments. The country last had a Senate in the 1960s.

Okello says the draft will force politicians who seek national office to develop parties with countrywide support, something they have only paid lip service recently. Part of the violence between December 2007 and February 2008 was fueled by ethnic tensions, with citizens killing others of different ethnic groups.

Kenyan leaders usually use their ethnic group as a base of support and then seek alliances with people who are perceived to have the support of their ethnic group, rather than campaign directly to all potential voters.

"It is very clear that the power of government, if you wish, will reside in the premiership. For you to be a premier you will have to have a political party that has nationwide presence," Okello said of the draft constitution. "That frowns upon, I think, ethnic-based parties. It may kill ethnic-based parties."

Other changes the draft proposes include introducing for the first time a Supreme Court, having elected regional governments and allowing dual citizenship.