Inside the push for a referendum: 2 new offices & funds Mudavadi wants

As Kenya inches closer to its pivotal 2027 general elections, a bold proposal from Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to have a constitutional referendum to be held on the same day as the polls, has sparked debate across the nation.

Mudavadi maintains that the move is crucial in addressing critical unresolved governance issues which must be put to a direct vote by the people.

As expected, the proposal sparked debate with the PCS defending his position and explaining why he believes that 2027 is a referendum moment for the country.

The former Sabatia lawmaker explained that some constitutional issues that need to be addressed have clear timelines outlined in the constitution and can be framed into a referendum question(s) and presented to Kenyans for the final vote in a referendum.

According to the PCS, staging a referendum will avert a legal crisis that if not handled in time, could render the 2027 election illegal.

He cited the failure to conduct boundary delimitation as a n example of a legal crisis that could see the 2027 election declared null and void.

Creation of new funds is also at the centre of Mudavadi’s proposal whose timing has raised eyebrows with the PCS explaining what he wants.

He championed for the creation of two funds while also rooting for the Constituency Development Fund to be entrenched in the constitution.

Mudavadi also made known his desire to create more positions that will be an additional burden to taxpayers.

He called for the creation of the office of the Prime Minister and Leaders of Official Opposition through a referendum.

While Mudavadi sees it as a high-stakes constitutional moment, critics note that the proposal to introduce more positions is a political bargaining chip to create positions that will be dished out to politicians in exchange for their support.