Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reignited debate on electoral reforms, warning that without urgent constitutional review, Kenya’s 2027 General Election risks being nullified before voting even begins, due to unresolved legal and institutional weaknesses.
Speaking during a national governance forum, Mudavadi said persistent contradictions within the Constitution, electoral laws and court precedents have created uncertainty that could paralyse the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ahead of the next polls
The Prime CS cautioned that Kenya has reached a dangerous point where election preparations can be challenged successfully in court, even before candidates are cleared, potentially plunging the country into a constitutional crisis with no clear legal remedies.
Mudavadi argued that the credibility of elections depends not only on technology or funding, but on a clear, coherent constitutional framework that defines boundaries, timelines, dispute resolution mechanisms and the powers of electoral institutions without ambiguity.
He noted that past elections have exposed gaps in the law, with courts issuing conflicting interpretations on electoral procedures, appointments and timelines, leaving the IEBC vulnerable to litigation and political pressure.
According to Mudavadi, failure to address these weaknesses early could see political actors weaponise the courts, filing pre-election cases that may stall or invalidate the entire electoral process, denying Kenyans their democratic right to vote.
The Prime CS emphasised that constitutional review should not be viewed as a partisan agenda, but as a national safeguard meant to protect stability, democracy and peaceful transitions of power in a country with a history of contested elections.
He called for inclusive dialogue involving Parliament, political parties, civil society, religious leaders and legal experts to identify areas requiring reform, insisting that rushed or secretive processes would only deepen public mistrust.
Mudavadi further warned that postponing reforms until 2026 would be too late, as electoral timelines are rigid, and any legal disputes close to the election date could disrupt preparations and undermine public confidence.
As Kenya edges closer to 2027, Mudavadi urged leaders to rise above politics and confront hard truths, arguing that timely constitutional review may be the only way to secure a credible, lawful and undisputed General Election.
Like, Share and Comment
