The 2005 constitutional referendum was a major political defeat for President Mwai Kibaki and marked a turning point in his presidency. The referendum asked Kenyans to vote on a proposed new constitution that had emerged from years of review. However, the draft was heavily revised at the last minute to concentrate power in the presidency, gutting key reforms demanded by civil society and opposition politicians. Orange (for NO) and Banana (for YES) became the referendum symbols. Raila Odinga, then Minister for Roads, led the Orange camp, accusing Kibaki of betrayal. The NO campaign attracted a broad coalition including Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, and grassroots organizations. On November 21, 2005, Kenyans rejected the draft by 58 percent to 42 percent. Kibaki dismissed his entire cabinet in response. The referendum fractured the NARC coalition and set the stage for the violent 2007 election.
See Also
Kibaki and the Rainbow Coalition Constitutional Reform Movement The 2010 Constitution Process
Sources
- Branch, Daniel. 'Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011.' Yale University Press, 2011.
- Hornsby, Charles. 'Kenya: A History Since Independence.' I.B. Tauris, 2012.
- Nation Media Group. '2005 Referendum Coverage.' November 2005.