Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has suggested holding a national referendum at the same time as the 2027 general election. He made the comments during an end-of-year interview at CHAMS Media in Nairobi. The idea is to fix long-standing problems in the 2010 Constitution through direct votes from Kenyans.
Mudavadi said some issues have dragged on for years. Parliament keeps going back and forth on them. Courts can only do so much. He thinks putting them as clear questions on the ballot would settle things once and for all. Voters already pick six leaders on one day. Adding two or three referendum questions should not be too hard, he added.
Key changes he mentioned include creating a Prime Minister’s office. There could also be a formal Leader of the Official Opposition. Bringing back something like the Constituency Development Fund in the Constitution. And making the two-thirds gender rule work properly. These came up in the National Dialogue Committee report, known as NADCO.
He pointed out that running the referendum with the election would save money. It might get more people to vote too. Some Kenyans skip elections if they feel nothing big is at stake. A referendum could change that. Mudavadi wants public talks to start in 2026. That gives time to shape the questions well.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission would handle it. Mudavadi believes Kenya is ready for this. It could even show the world how mature our democracy is.
Reactions came quick. Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria liked the idea. He called it proper reform, not the rushed changes tried before. Others worry it might confuse voters. Elections already get heated with campaigns. Adding big constitutional votes could mix things up. A few see it as a way to push certain agendas quietly.
These issues go back years. The 2010 Constitution brought big shifts, like devolution. But parts stayed unfinished. The gender rule, for example, aims for no more than two-thirds of one gender in public bodies. Parliament has struggled to make it happen. CDF became NG-CDF after court rulings, but some want it fully protected in the Constitution.
NADCO tried to fix post-2022 election tensions. It looked at inclusivity and power sharing. Ideas like a Prime Minister post popped up to make government broader. But turning recommendations into law stalled in Parliament.
Mudavadi’s role adds weight. As Prime Cabinet Secretary, he sits close to President William Ruto. Some wonder if this tests waters for bigger changes ahead of 2027. Politics in Kenya often heat up early.
People in Nairobi and across the country follow this closely. Constitutional talks affect everyone. From how leaders share power to funds reaching constituencies.
For now, it is just a proposal. No firm plans yet. But Mudavadi put it out there openly. He said the people’s voice should decide on stuck matters.
Supporters say it ends endless debates. Critics fear timing near elections could spark division. Past referendums, like in 2005 and 2010, split the country sharply.
Kenya heads into festive season with this on the table. Come 2026, discussions might pick up. Voters will watch how questions get framed if it moves forward.
Mudavadi ended by saying Kenya needs to focus on jobs and growth. Settling these old fights through a vote could help that. This could shape talks leading to 2027. Elections are set for August that year. Adding a referendum would make the day even bigger.
