Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has urged Kenyans to wait until the 2027 General Election if they wish to vote out President William Ruto, dismissing any calls for early removal as misguided and politically destabilising.

Wambugu’s remarks come at a time when national discourse is dominated by partisan divisions, contested electoral reforms, and growing public discontent.

In an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Wambugu emphasised the importance of respecting constitutional timelines and the democratic process.

“If we decide to remove Ruto, we must do it in 2027, not now,” he said. “He is not going to do one term just to please DCP.”

Wambugu’s remarks come as the opposition voices push for mass action and the potential early exit of President Ruto. However, the former MP stressed that Kenya’s political maturity must be demonstrated through elections, not unrest or unconstitutional demands.

His comments also touched on the upcoming by-elections, which he said will be a litmus test for the country’s electoral integrity and political stability.

“Kenyans will be watching how the IEBC handles the by-elections,” he noted. “Will they bow to pressure from the government or the opposition?” he posed.

According to Wambugu, the conduct of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) during these mini-polls will either affirm or undermine public trust in the electoral process.

“These by-elections will test our unity as a nation, whether in government or opposition,” he added.

NCIC on a shipwreck?

Turning to the role of institutions in promoting national cohesion, Wambugu questioned the effectiveness of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). While acknowledging its constitutional mandate, he cast doubt on its real-world impact.

“The NCIC is supposed to promote national values, mitigate ethnic political competition, and eliminate ethnicity-based discrimination,” he stated. “But have they achieved that? Not really.”

He posed a challenge to the public and political class, asking: “The real question is: are we, as Kenyans, legitimately ready to take on that responsibility?”

He called for political patience, electoral accountability, and national reflection resonates with ongoing debates about Kenya’s democratic future.

“As the country approaches another critical electoral cycle, leaders and citizens alike will need to consider whether they are ready to uphold democratic ideals through votes, not violence.” He argued.