Lawyer and human rights activist Ndegwa Njiru has sharply criticised Raila Odinga’s call for another referendum, describing it as a costly distraction that undermines the country’s focus on governance and development.

Speaking on his official X account on Tuesday, August 2, 2025, Njiru said Raila’s repeated calls for constitutional votes risk turning Kenya’s political landscape into a cycle of endless campaigns rather than practical governance.

“Raila’s push for another referendum is a costly distraction. Raila’s obsession with referendums turns governance into a perpetual campaign. Kenya doesn’t need another expensive vote; it needs leaders who can implement the Constitution we already have,” Njiru said.

“I am asking Raila to stop treating the Kenyan Constitution like a personal chessboard,” Njiru added

Njiru’s remarks come amid increasing debates on the feasibility and necessity of another constitutional referendum. Advocates of the move argue that amendments are needed to address gaps in governance and political representation. Critics, however, warn that such exercises could drain public resources and destabilise the political environment.

“Kenya cannot afford to spend millions on a referendum every few years while schools lack basic supplies, roads remain unfinished, and healthcare systems struggle,” Njiru emphasised.

Political analysts argue that Njiru’s criticism underscores a deepening public frustration with the endless cycle of political manoeuvres, tactics that increasingly seem detached from the urgent economic and social challenges affecting ordinary citizens. Many see this disconnect as evidence that leaders are more focused on power plays than on delivering tangible solutions to the country’s mounting problems

Njiru also called on political leaders across the spectrum to prioritise the actual needs of citizens over political ambitions.

“The country needs action, not more debate over processes we already agreed on. Leadership is about execution, not manipulation of legal instruments for political gain,” he said.

This is not the first time Njiru has spoken against repeated referendum calls. In previous statements, he has highlighted the risks of political fatigue, unnecessary expenditure, and voter disillusionment, urging politicians to respect the 2010 Constitution that guides Kenya today.

As the debate on constitutional amendments continues, Njiru’s stance adds a clear voice against repeated referendums, insisting that national development should take precedence over political theatrics.