Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on President William Ruto to implement and respect the Kenyan Constitution, even though he opposed it when it was adopted in 2010.

Speaking during a press conference titled Reflections of 2025 and the Urgency of 2026 on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Kalonzo warned that attempts to manipulate the constitution for political gain could undermine Kenya’s democracy.

“Let me be very clear to Mr. Ruto. Implement the constitution of Kenya first, and obey and respect the rule of law,” Kalonzo said.

“Never mind that you opposed it in the first place. You are now the guardian of this constitution. There is no excuse to claim otherwise.”

He emphasised that the constitution has served Ruto well.

“In fact, this constitution has served you so well. When Uhuru Kenyatta could have taken the liberty to fire you, he couldn’t because you are joined at the hip. He required a referendum, I mean, an impeachment motion, and you had the numbers. Fortunately, so this constitution has actually served Mr. William Ruto very well.”

Kalonzo warns against referendum

Kalonzo’s remarks came in reaction to recent calls by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to hold a constitutional referendum alongside the 2027 general elections.

Mudavadi has argued that the referendum would allow Kenyans to vote on unresolved issues, including the entrenchment of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the official recognition of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

“This referendum should be introduced as the seventh question during the 2027 polls,” Mudavadi said on December 24, 2025. “Since Kenyans will already be voting for six elective positions, a separate ballot for the referendum will allow citizens to decide on key constitutional issues that have long been pending.”

Kalonzo, however, criticised the proposal, saying it could be used to manipulate the electoral process. He highlighted the strain on voters, who would already cast six ballots for local and national offices.

“Can you imagine, Kenyans? Already the weight of six ballots – from MCA to MP, senator, county women representative, governor, and president – and now they want to add a referendum. Where in the world has that happened?” he asked.

He also said there is no constitutional crisis that would justify rushing the referendum.

“The legal avenue is Parliament, which the state has unfortunately captured. The constitution mandates elections for each of the 290 constituencies. Nobody can claim otherwise.” Kalonzo accused the Ruto administration of using the referendum as a diversion and a way to consolidate power through backdoor constitutional changes.

Kalonzo also criticised Ruto’s repeated references to turning Kenya into Singapore.