President William Ruto has firmly opposed a controversial proposal by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
The proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to increase the presidential term from five to seven years. This change would also apply to governors and Members of Parliament.
In a recent statement, President Ruto emphasized the importance of constitutional integrity and democratic principles.
He urged lawmakers to resist any attempts to alter term limits for personal or political gain.
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I remain committed to upholding and defending the letter and spirit of the Constitution
William Ruto
Details of the Proposed Bill
This Bill aims to amend Article 136 of the Constitution, which currently limits elected leaders to a five-year term before seeking re-election.
Additionally, it proposes creating the office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister would be appointed by the president from among members of Parliament and lead the largest party or coalition in Parliament.
Moreover, the Bill seeks to amend Article 181 concerning the removal procedure for governors and deputy governors. It would allow decisions to be challenged only at the Supreme Court.
UDA’s Stance on the Bill
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), President Ruto’s political party, has distanced itself from Cherargei’s proposal.
In a statement shared by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, the party described the Bill as “profoundly misguided and self-serving.” Omar criticized it for contravening Kenyans’ long-held aspirations for democratic governance.
Omar stated,
This juvenile political experimentation must now be crushed to a halt!
Hassan Omar
He called on party members involved with the Bill to cease their support immediately. Furthermore, he argued that it denies citizens regular opportunities to hold their leaders accountable.
Public Reaction
The proposal has ignited outrage among Kenyans, many of whom view it as an attempt to entrench political power.
Critics argue that extending term limits undermines democracy and accountability. Governance experts have described it as impractical and a diversionary tactic.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna dismissed the proposal as “dead on arrival.” He emphasized that Kenyans already have enough political representation through existing term limits.
Other politicians echoed similar sentiments, stressing that any amendments regarding term limits should involve a national referendum due to their significance.
