By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 30 December 2025 - Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s proposal to conduct the 2027 General Election alongside a national referendum has sparked resistance from a section of political leaders in Kirinyaga County, who warn that the move could mask an attempt to tamper with the 2010 Constitution for political gain.
Mudavadi has suggested that unresolved governance and constitutional issues be subjected to a referendum held concurrently with the next General Election, arguing that Kenya has attained sufficient democratic maturity to manage both processes at the same time.
However, leaders from Kirinyaga say the proposal lacks transparency and broad-based consultation, raising fears of an elite-driven process.
Former Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri said while the idea of a referendum may sound progressive, it is driven by a hidden agenda.
“We have seen the Prime Cabinet Secretary ignite calls for a national referendum alongside the 2027 General Election. On the surface it looks good, but it is backed by a hidden agenda,” Ndambiri said.
He warned against any attempt to amend the Constitution without a compelling national need and genuine public participation.
“We do not want to take part in a referendum where a few individuals have already decided the direction. Let those in power serve their five- or ten-year terms as stipulated in the Constitution,” he said.
Ndambiri claimed the proposal was designed to extend the tenure of the current political leadership.
“This is a back-door attempt to cling to power, and Kenyans will not allow it. We are alerting the public that some people want to remain in office by manipulating the Constitution,” he said.
Former Mwea MP Alfred Nderitu also questioned the timing and approach taken in advancing the proposal.
“The Constitution is a very important document and should not be played around with. Mudavadi may be expressing his views, but there appears to be something hidden. Why now?” Nderitu asked.
He said such a significant constitutional process should have been subjected to bipartisan engagement and consensus-building before being floated publicly.
“This should have been discussed by leaders across the political divide and a joint proposal developed. It should not be pushed by one individual,” he said.
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Nderitu further argued that Mudavadi was not the appropriate figure to spearhead constitutional amendments, saying the matter should have been handled through established institutions.
“This proposal should have been channeled through Parliament or the Office of the Attorney General. They have taken the wrong path,” he said.
While acknowledging challenges facing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), including delayed boundary delimitation and census-related gaps, Nderitu said the approach adopted had raised suspicion.
“If this was genuine, they should have first sold the idea to Members of Parliament to build consensus on the way forward. Mudavadi is not the right person to read the Constitution for us and he is also not the right person to tell us that the Constitution should be amended. They have taken the wrong path,” said Nderitu.
Mudavadi has defended his proposal, saying Kenya could take advantage of the 2027 polls to submit outstanding constitutional matters to the electorate through clear and well-structured referendum questions.
“We should use the 2027 General Election to deal with issues that have remained unresolved since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution,” Mudavadi said, adding that discussions should begin in 2026 to allow time for public participation.
“If Kenyans can vote for multiple leaders on one ballot, then we are mature enough to vote on two or three constitutional questions alongside the election,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said a referendum would help resolve recurrent governance disputes and place Kenya at the forefront of democratic innovation in Africa.
He cited the stalled implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, inclusivity in governance, the possible creation of a substantive Prime Minister’s position, the fate of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and the two-thirds gender rule as among issues that could be put to a public vote.
Mudavadi dismissed concerns over cost and logistics, saying holding a referendum alongside the General Election would have minimal financial implications and could boost voter turnout.
But Kirinyaga leaders maintain that any constitutional amendment process must be people-driven, transparent and free from political manipulation, warning that Kenyans remain wary of reforms perceived to benefit those in power rather than the public interest.
Kirinyaga Leaders Oppose Mudavadi’s Plan to Pair 2027 Elections With Referendum
Kirinyaga politicians accuse Mudavadi of hidden constitutional agenda
