Suba North MP warns of possible referendum before 2027

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has suggested that Kenya could be facing a national referendum in the near future, pointing to current parliamentary efforts that may lead to changes in the constitution.

The lawmaker disclosed that there is increased political maneuvering underway, with influential figures advocating for constitutional reforms holding meetings with Raila Odinga, the leader of ODM.

She pointed out, however, that Raila’s schedule is currently packed, making him unavailable for consultations and causing further delays in the referendum discussions.

Although she did not specify the exact amendments being proposed, insiders involved in the legislative process indicate that topics such as governance structure, devolution, and electoral reforms are likely being considered.

Odhiambo’s comments shed light on the slow pace at which Parliament vetted and approved the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) members.

The seasoned lawmaker added that MPs from various political factions are eager to meet with Raila regarding the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), which Raila has been urging legislators to devolve to county governments.

Raila criticized MPs who pushed to entrench the NG-CDF in the constitution through public participation exercises held last month in different constituencies.

He described these efforts as futile, stressing that the proper legal route would be via a referendum.

"Conduct all the public participation you want. In the end, it must go to a referendum. And in that referendum, you will lose. It’s not that we don’t want bursaries, but they should be managed by the county governments," Raila stated.

The views expressed by the Suba North MP suggest that some lawmakers are gearing up to pressure Raila Odinga to abandon calls for a referendum to constitutionalize the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

Odhiambo emphasized that the CDF enjoys widespread popularity in rural areas and remains an effective fund that helps MPs address their constituents’ needs.

"Once we engage in discussions with our party leader, if there’s agreement to proceed, I would actually support a referendum on the NG-CDF to get direct input from Kenyans. Many people understand the impact of the fund," she added.

While Kenyans await clarity on the future of the NG-CDF, some female MPs have voiced frustration over what they describe as unequal allocation of public resources across constituencies.

First-term MP Suzzane Ndunge from Makueni emotionally shared how she nearly resigned after six months in office due to lack of funding for development projects, despite submitting proper data and proposals.

"I was on the brink of quitting. I kept asking myself what I had gotten into, especially with my background in development. I felt stuck," Ndunge revealed during a forum hosted by the Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA) and research firm IDinsight.

Naivasha MP Jane Kihara criticized the government for mismanaging priorities, even when data clearly shows urgent needs in certain sectors and areas.

She accused politicians allied with the broad-based government of receiving a larger share of public funds, while those who distanced themselves from the Kenya Kwanza coalition have been sidelined.

Kihara pointed to the Women Enterprise Fund, which she said has been overshadowed by the politically motivated Hustler Fund.

Turbo MP Janet Sitienei called for a clearer division of roles, arguing that lawmakers should be relieved of some policy-making duties to focus on their constitutional responsibilities of oversight, legislation, and representation.

However, Odhiambo defended the broad-based government, noting that every administration prioritizes its agenda based on its manifesto and delivery plans.

"I’m not part of Kenya Kwanza, though we have a loose working relationship with them. Their manifesto focuses on a bottom-up development agenda, which has shaped the projects currently underway," she explained.

IDinsight director Nyawira Gitahi highlighted that Kenya is entering a crucial phase of digital governance, demanding timely and well-informed legislation that aligns public priorities with national policy.

"Strong leadership is essential for this process. We need sustainable reforms that will endure beyond the present and stand the test of time," Gitahi stated.