Waringa Calls for Constitutional Clarity Over President’s Term and Kenya’s Political Future

By Violet Kerubo

Global governance and international diplomacy expert Ambassador Esther Waringa has called for urgent constitutional clarity on the status of Kenya’s leadership and the country’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking to the media at Clarion Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday, Waringa said Kenya must strictly adhere to the Constitution and ensure that no individual or institution places itself above the rule of law.

Waringa argued that the constitutional provisions governing the presidential term and the timing of the General Election require the country to address what she described as a constitutional gap regarding the transition from the current administration.

She claimed that the expiry of the presidential term would mean President William Ruto and other elected leaders were effectively operating under a caretaker arrangement.

According to Waringa, such an arrangement would limit the powers of the President, including the ability to make major appointments or dismiss Cabinet Secretaries and other senior government officials.

She further argued that Parliament should not proceed with passing or amending legislation during what she considers a caretaker period.

Waringa called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Judiciary and the Attorney General to provide Kenyans with clear guidance on the constitutional way forward.

She said the country must establish whether Kenya should continue under a caretaker government until the 2027 elections or whether constitutional mechanisms should be invoked to facilitate an earlier return to the ballot.

“This is about protecting the Constitution of Kenya. No one is above the rule of law,” Waringa said.

She said her efforts were driven by a desire to promote patriotism and place the interests of Kenyans at the centre of national affairs.

Waringa also called on religious leaders, political leaders and citizens across the country to respect the Constitution and avoid actions that could undermine national stability.

She criticised the Attorney General for what she described as failing at some point to provide the government and the IEBC with adequate constitutional advice on the presidential term and the electoral calendar.

The diplomacy expert said she was ready to engage with political, religious and other national leaders willing to discuss the matter and seek a constitutional path forward.

She said Kenya must ultimately prepare for a free, credible and transparent General Election while ensuring that the country remains stable and that the rights and interests of citizens are protected.

Waringa concluded by urging Kenyans to remain peaceful and patriotic as the country navigates the constitutional and political questions ahead.

“May God protect the country of Kenya,” she said.