A group of activists has gone to the High Court on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, asking the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to hold a referendum.
This referendum would let the people decide if President William Ruto should end his term early.
This action comes because many people are unhappy with President Ruto’s leadership.
The activists say he has broken constitutional rules and failed to manage problems like corruption, economic struggles, and the rising cost of living.
The activists, who are well-known human rights leaders, believe that a referendum is a way for Kenyans to directly express their opinions on whether or not President Ruto should stay in office, especially since many are dissatisfied with his leadership.
“We want the court to tell the IEBC to organize a referendum so the people can decide what happens to President Ruto,” one of the leaders of the group said during a press conference outside the Milimani Law Courts.
“The Constitution allows for this kind of action, and it’s time for the people’s voice to be heard.”
The petition has received different reactions from political groups. Supporters of the activists say this action is in line with Kenya’s democracy, highlighting the right of the people to hold their leaders responsible.
On the other hand, critics see the petition as a political trick meant to create instability in the government.
They argue that the proper way to remove a president is through parliamentary impeachment processes, not a referendum.
Legal experts say the High Court will have to decide if the activists’ request is something the IEBC can do and if this referendum is allowed under the Constitution.
“The Constitution does say that referendums can happen on important national issues, but we need to see if this request qualifies,” said a lawyer from Nairobi.
The IEBC, which is responsible for elections and referendums in Kenya, has not yet made an official statement about the petition.
Some sources claim that the IEBC is facing delays in filling its full panel of commissioners, which has been stuck in legal and political arguments since a new law about the IEBC was passed in 2024.
However, his supporters in the Kenya Kwanza coalition have called the activists’ action pointless, arguing that Ruto is focused on keeping his campaign promises related to improving the economy and creating jobs.
The High Court has set a preliminary hearing for next week to see if the case should move forward.
If the court agrees with the petition, it could change how political issues are handled in Kenya, allowing more direct involvement from the public in governance.
Meanwhile, the activists are planning to gather public support for their cause, planning peaceful protests and awareness campaigns all over the country.
“This is not just for one group of people; it’s about giving every Kenyan a chance to have a say in our country’s future,” they said in a joint statement.
