Nakuru Activist Appears Before Senate Over Recall Law Push
In his submission, Omusundi anchors his case on Articles 1 and 119 of the Constitution, arguing that sovereign power belongs to the people and that any person may petition Parliament on matters within its mandate.
Petitioner Laban Omusundi
By Staff Writer
A Nakuru activist pushing for a law to allow Kenyans to directly recall the President and Governors will appear before a Senate committee today to defend his proposal.
Laban Omusundi is scheduled to make submissions before the Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee from 8am, urging senators to back legislation creating a citizen-driven recall mechanism.
His petition seeks a clear legal framework for the recall of the President, Deputy President, Governors and Deputy Governors through a people’s initiative.
The Clerk of the Senate, Jeremiah Nyegenye, confirmed in a letter dated February 12, 2026 that the petition met the legal threshold and was formally before the House
“My sole duty here is to make strong submission for Committee to adopt the Prayers sought in the Petition.,” Omusundi stated.
The petition was read in the Senate by the Speaker last week and committed to the Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee for consideration.
In his submission, Omusundi anchors his case on Articles 1 and 119 of the Constitution, arguing that sovereign power belongs to the people and that any person may petition Parliament on matters within its mandate.
He says that although the Constitution provides for impeachment of the President, Deputy President and Governors under Articles 145, 150 and 181, those mechanisms rely entirely on Parliament and County Assemblies.
According to him, the absence of a citizen-initiated recall process leaves a gap where legislative bodies fail or decline to act in cases of alleged misconduct or constitutional violations.
“THAT there is currently NO express mechanism for citizen-initiated recall of the President, Deputy President, Governor and Deputy Governor where the respective Assemblies fail to act in circumstances of gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution, or abuse of office,” he states in the petition.
Omusundi argues that a recall law would strengthen accountability and give practical effect to popular sovereignty under Article 1.
“Direct citizen recall would restore the sovereignty of the people, reinforce accountability, and operationalize participatory democracy,” he states.
He is asking the Senate to affirm that sovereign power includes the right of citizens to directly recall elected leaders in appropriate circumstances.
The petition further calls on Parliament to enact legislation under Articles 94, 119 and 261 to set out clear grounds for recall, signature thresholds, verification procedures and strict timelines to guard against abuse.
Under Senate Standing Orders, once a petition is found compliant, it is referred to the relevant committee, which may invite public submissions before tabling its report in the House.
The committee will determine whether to recommend drafting of a recall law or propose other measures within the existing constitutional framework.
About The Author
