Mudavadi’s referendum push sparks sharp opposition backlash

The push for a referendum by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has drawn mixed reactions, with opposition leaders raising a red flag over the proposal.

PLP leader Martha Karua says the move is suspicious and has vowed to oppose any such attempts. 

“The call for a referendum is a distraction. Mudavadi, who is calling for a referendum on behalf of President Ruto, is himself holding an office that is unlawful,” Karua said.

Karua laughed off the proposals, saying it is ironic to call for a constitutional review by an administration that has repeatedly disobeyed the very constitution it now seeks to amend.

“Kenyans must not accept constitutional changes by a regime that does not obey the constitution,” said Karua.

“What is urgent now—changes to the constitution, or the fact that many Kenyans could not even celebrate Christmas because of the high cost of living?” DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa added.

Meanwhile, Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) chair Karoli Omondi says his committee has already engaged the IEBC to ensure there is no delay in holding the general election.

“If elections are not held on time, it means the president will continue being in office, and MPs will also remain in office,” said Karoli

Senior counsel Paul Mwite says the referendum needed is one grounded in Article One of the constitution, under the sovereignty of the people, to send parliament and the president home now, not in 2027. He adds that the looming constitutional storm has been created by political leaders.

Former CS Moses Kuria, on his part, says he fully supports Mudavadi’s call for a referendum as a seventh ballot during the 2027 general elections.

However, Prof Kivutha Kibwana argues that the push is driven by political elites still angling for positions such as a prime minister, two deputy prime ministers and assistant ministers to entrench ethnic politics.