Mudavadi Proposes Constitutional Referendum Be Held Alongside 2027 General Election

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has proposed that Kenya consider holding a constitutional referendum alongside the 2027 General Election as a way of resolving long-standing constitutional and governance issues.

Mudavadi said several matters that have remained unresolved since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution could be presented directly to voters through carefully framed referendum questions during the next election.

Speaking during an end-of-year media interview in Nairobi, the Prime CS said the idea is practical and manageable if properly planned under the current electoral framework.

“We can use the 2027 General Election as an opportunity to address constitutional issues that have remained unresolved. These matters can be clearly structured into referendum questions and subjected to a public vote,” Mudavadi said.

He added that Kenyans are politically mature and capable of voting for political leaders while also making decisions on constitutional questions on the same ballot.

“If Kenyans can vote for several elective positions at once, then including two or three constitutional questions is not too much to ask. We should begin this discussion in 2026 so the country is well prepared,” he noted.

Mudavadi said taking unresolved issues to a referendum would reduce repeated political disputes that Parliament and the courts have struggled to settle conclusively. He argued that giving citizens the final say would bring long-term stability.

Among the issues he suggested could be included are recommendations contained in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which has faced delays and disagreements in Parliament.

“There has been a lot of back and forth on the NADCO report. Instead of endless debate, why not allow Kenyans to decide through a referendum?” he posed.

Mudavadi also cited governance concerns such as inclusivity in government, the possible introduction of a substantive Prime Minister position, and the future of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has repeatedly been contested in court.

“These are issues that keep returning after every election. We need to settle them once and for all by anchoring them firmly in the Constitution,” he said.

He further pointed to the unresolved two-thirds gender rule, saying a referendum would be the most direct and inclusive way for Kenyans to express their will on the matter.

Addressing concerns about cost, Mudavadi said holding a referendum alongside the General Election would not significantly increase expenses, as both exercises would be conducted simultaneously.

“If managed well, this approach will save time, reduce political tension, and allow the country to focus on development, job creation, and economic growth instead of endless political negotiations,” he said.

Mudavadi concluded by saying a successful joint election and referendum would not only strengthen Kenya’s democracy but also position the country as a model for constitutional reform in the region.


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