Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has urged Kenyans to uphold constitutional order and avoid shortcuts in addressing political grievances, warning that any attempts to remove President William Ruto before the 2027 General Election would be both unconstitutional and destabilising.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Wambugu emphasized that while public frustration is valid, the path forward must remain democratic.
“If we want change, the place to do it is in the ballot box in 2027,” he said. “You don’t destabilise a country midstream just because some people are unhappy.”
His remarks come amid increasing political tension, with sections of the opposition pushing for mass action and civil disobedience. Wambugu, however, urged leaders across the divide to exercise restraint and allow the democratic process to take its course.
By-Elections a Test for Electoral Credibility
Wambugu also weighed in on the upcoming parliamentary by-elections, saying the contests will be a major credibility test for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which was only recently reconstituted.
“Kenyans will be watching. The IEBC must prove it can run a fair process under pressure—both from the government and opposition,” he said.
The IEBC is currently preparing for seven by-elections, including in Magarini, Banisa, Ugunja, Malava, Kasipul, and a Senate seat in Baringo, all of which became vacant due to deaths, appointments, or court rulings.
According to Wambugu, how the IEBC navigates these elections will either build or erode public trust as the country inches closer to 2027.
NCIC Under Scrutiny
Turning his attention to institutions tasked with preserving national unity, Wambugu expressed skepticism about the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), questioning its practical impact.
“They have a constitutional mandate to promote harmony, but Kenyans aren’t seeing results. Ethnic politics still dominate our discourse.”
He challenged both the public and political leaders to reflect on their role in healing national divides, asking, “Are we genuinely committed to building a cohesive nation, or do we only preach unity when it suits us?”
Call for Patience and Constitutionalism
As Kenya continues to grapple with economic challenges, contested electoral reforms, and youth-led civic agitation, Wambugu’s message was clear: patience and process must prevail.
“Let’s not use protests as a substitute for democratic mechanisms. If we want to retire this government, we do so in 2027—not through shortcuts or street pressure,” he said.
He concluded by reminding citizens that while democracy allows for dissent, true leadership is measured by the ability to wait, organise, and win with ideas—not outrage.
