DP Gachagua Allies Push for Referendum to Scrap 50%+1 Rule Ahead of 2027 Election: Here is Why
As the 2027 General Election realignments unfold, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s supporters in Mt Kenya are advocating for constitutional changes that eliminate the 50-percent-plus-one vote threshold for winning a presidential election.
In a closed-door meeting on Sunday night near Thika town, which included several MPs, it was suggested that the presidency should be awarded based on a simple majority.
However, to form a government, a candidate would need 60% of the votes, promoting coalition-building among competitors.
This proposal aims to ensure inclusivity in future governments by making a post-election government of national unity more achievable, thereby addressing the winner-takes-all issue often blamed for post-election conflicts.
It also seeks to reduce the trend of forced power-sharing deals, commonly known as “handshakes,” between ruling and opposition parties, which have been seen as a remedy to post-election disputes in Kenya. Notable examples include the 2008 Kibaki-Odinga handshake, the 2018 Kenyatta-Odinga pact, and the recent Ruto-Odinga agreement.
The leaders from Mt Kenya are pushing to reinstate the Prime Minister’s role as a way to broaden executive positions and formalize opposition roles, making it more appealing for presidential candidates who win the remaining 40% of votes.
Their concern is that the current partnership between President Ruto and Raila Odinga, perceived as laying the groundwork for a one-party state, threatens Mt Kenya’s political influence.
A close aide to Gachagua, Ngunjiri Wambugu, stated that while the Deputy President did not attend the Thika meeting, his spirit was present since any gathering focused on Mt Kenya unity reflects Gachagua’s objectives.
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Wambugu emphasized that Gachagua supports gatherings that foster strategic decision-making and trust among like-minded allies who are committed to advancing their common goals.
Participants of the Thika meeting argued that Kenya’s electoral landscape has become increasingly volatile, with each election cycle featuring narrow margins that lead to forced power-sharing between government and opposition—a trend they want to institutionalize rather than let remain informal.
High Court Advocate Mwangi Kariuki, who recorded minutes of the meeting, disclosed that it was one of many ongoing consultations centered on Mt Kenya unity and the region’s political relevance for 2027 and beyond.
Kariuki noted that the referendum discussions emphasized ensuring that the opposition maintains at least 40% representation, warning that the current situation, where losing candidates use violence to secure government positions, is unsustainable.
The meeting focused on securing Mt Kenya’s interests, given concerns that handshake-style agreements dilute the region’s electoral power by forcing winners to share governance.
Kenya’s Constitution, under Article 138(4), requires a presidential candidate to win more than half of all votes cast and at least 25% of the votes in more than half of the counties to be declared the victor.
This requirement was established to ensure national support, countering past scenarios like President Moi’s 1992 and 1997 victories where he won with a small share of the national vote despite the opposition garnering a majority overall.
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Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara confirmed attending several of these strategy meetings, noting that unity among like-minded individuals and the involvement of Gen Z are crucial as they prepare for future elections.
Kihara highlighted that similar meetings helped Dr. Ruto secure Mt Kenya’s backing in the 2022 elections despite then-President Kenyatta’s opposition.
The current strategy involves preventing infiltration and ensuring that Mt Kenya’s votes are delivered cohesively, regardless of the candidate’s success.
Former Gatanga MP Nduati Ngugi, representing pro-Kenyatta interests, expressed concern that the 2027 and 2032 elections could leave Mt Kenya politically marginalized.
He revealed intelligence suggesting that a constitutional debate led by President Ruto and Raila Odinga is imminent, prompting Mt Kenya leaders to prepare for a referendum more aggressively than their rivals.
Ngugi disclosed that Sunday’s meeting had 36 attendees representing various political actors and that President Kenyatta supports any efforts that enhance national stability and prosperity.
Kirinyaga Jubilee Chairman Muriithi Kang’ara emphasized the urgency of Mt Kenya unity to avoid repeating past mistakes in 2027, noting that numerous similar meetings have already been held.
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Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri confirmed that while some Mt Kenya leaders back Gachagua outside the UDA party, they have yet to align with a specific political group, instead rallying around what they call “Wanjiku’s voice,” representing grassroots interests.
Ngunjiri stated that Gachagua remains vital to the region’s political strategy leading up to 2027 and vowed continued support until the time comes to declare new ambitions or renew mandates.
Kikuyu Council of Elders Chairman Wachira Kiago stressed the need to close ranks and prevent any attempts to divide Mt Kenya, focusing on securing tangible benefits for the region’s youth, farmers, and other stakeholders.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu dismissed accusations of tribalism, asserting that such meetings will intensify as Mt Kenya strategizes for 2027.
DP Gachagua Allies Push for Referendum to Scrap 50%+1 Rule Ahead of 2027 Election: Here is Why
