Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Jehow faces ‘one-term’ chants during Bute visit
By Sharon Atieno, July 20, 2026Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow faced chants calling for her to serve only one term during a visit to Bute, Wajir North, in what appeared to signal growing political tension ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The incident occurred during Jehow’s first visit to the area since she won the seat in the 2022 General Election, with sections of the crowd chanting “one term” as she addressed residents.
The reaction comes amid renewed scrutiny of the legislator following remarks she made on the 2027 presidential election and the political position of leaders from North Eastern.
Jehow’s election remarks spark controversy
Speaking during a public meeting in Wajir on July 12, 2025, Jehow said leaders from North Eastern were determined to support President William Ruto.
“Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern maneno ya President, tunasema ‘tutam’, hata kama hatutakua na votes tutamwibia… hio si siri,” she said.
Translated, the remarks mean: “We, MPs from North Eastern, support the President. Even if we don’t have the votes, we will steal them for him… that’s no secret.”
She also appeared to dismiss concerns over the region’s voter numbers, saying leaders would wait for the ballot boxes to arrive.
“Sisi tunangoja debe iletwe, hata kama hatutakuwa na votes, sisi maneyetu ni mafupi,” she said.
The remarks sparked criticism, with questions raised over electoral integrity and calls for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to examine the comments.
Kindiki dismisses election rigging fears
The controversy came as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki dismissed claims that the Kenya Kwanza administration was planning to manipulate the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Kuria East Constituency, Migori County, Kindiki said the IEBC was an independent institution that could not be controlled by politicians.
“Our opponents are already panicking and blackmailing the IEBC. Commissioners are referees; they cannot favour anyone,” he said.
The Deputy President added that the government would seek re-election based on its record.
“We don’t need any favours from the IEBC,” Kindiki said. “Our strategy is built on delivery.”
‘One-term’ campaign gathers pace
The Bute chants come amid growing political messaging around the 2027 contest, with opposition leaders increasingly framing the election as a battle to prevent President Ruto from securing a second term.
Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party Secretariat Executive Director Philip Kisia recently declared that the opposition’s agenda was to limit Ruto to one term.
“Their agenda is two terms. Our agenda is one term,” Kisia said.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also expressed confidence that Ruto could be defeated if the opposition unites.
“If my colleagues take that decision, William Ruto will be one term, and he knows it,” Kalonzo said.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has similarly advocated for a one-term presidency, arguing that leaders often spend too much time preparing for re-election instead of focusing on service delivery.
“I am a proponent of one term for Ruto, one term for Martha Karua,” Karua said.
As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, the reception in Bute adds to growing signs that some leaders may face increased scrutiny from voters as they seek to retain their seats.