In a statement shared on X on Friday, December 26, 2025, Okang’o said the planned referendum would fundamentally reshape the structure of the state, making it difficult even for the opposition to mount serious resistance.
“Kenya is heading for a seventh ballot in 2027 — a national referendum,” he said.
“Not even the opposition will truly oppose it, because this time the stakes are higher. This is about re-engineering the state.”
Okang’o framed the coming referendum as more than a political exercise, describing it as a test of Kenya’s democratic foundations. He urged citizens to understand their constitutional role, stressing that public participation is not optional.
Referring to Articles 255, 256 and 257 of the Constitution, he reminded Kenyans that sovereignty rests with the people and that constitutional changes require their direct involvement.
“Are you familiar with public participation or citizen engagement as provided for in the Constitution?” he posed, challenging voters to take ownership of the process.
According to Okang’o, the 2027 election will be unique because voters will not only elect leaders but also make a decision that could define the Republic’s future.
He described the referendum as a “seventh vote” — beyond the usual six elective positions — giving citizens direct power over the country’s direction.
“Let 2027 be more than a political contest,” he said.
“Let it be a reaffirmation of the people’s sovereignty. Let Kenyans cast six votes for leaders and a seventh for their Republic.”
Mudavadi warns of constitutional crisis
Okang’o’s remarks come amid growing warnings from senior government leaders about legal hurdles that could affect the 2027 elections.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned that the general election could be declared invalid if constitutional gaps are not addressed through a referendum.
Speaking on December 26, 2025, during the 46th Muloogoli Cultural Festival in Vihiga County, Mudavadi said the law is clear on key requirements such as population census data and electoral boundary reviews.
“No valid census data, no valid boundaries review, and no general election,” Mudavadi said. “That is the law, not my opinion.”
He noted that only 20 months remain before the 2027 polls and warned that time is running out to resolve the constitutional challenges.
Mudavadi cited complications arising from the nullification of the 2019 census results in Wajir, Mandera and Garissa counties, as well as the planned 2026 census.
According to him, mixing census data from different years would be legally impossible, potentially leaving the country without valid population figures to support boundary reviews.
“This situation creates a serious constitutional storm,” Mudavadi said, adding that a referendum may be the only legal path to safeguard the democratic process.
Opposition sets 2026 deadline
Meanwhile, the opposition appears to be moving ahead with its own preparations for 2027.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced that the United Opposition coalition plans to select its presidential flagbearer by the first quarter of 2026.
Speaking during a televised interview on December 26, Kalonzo said early agreement would help maintain unity and give voters clarity.
“Kenyans want certainty,” he said, adding that the coalition wants to avoid internal divisions that could weaken its chances.
Kalonzo expressed confidence in his leadership experience, pointing to past coalition efforts, including the 2008 Grand Coalition government.
He said opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Martha Karua, have agreed to support whoever is chosen.
The coalition is also set to rebrand under the name Komboa Kenya, positioning itself as an alternative ahead of the 2027 contest.
