Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | President William Ruto has expressed strong opposition to a controversial proposal by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei aimed at extending term limits for elected officials in Kenya, including the presidency.
Reaffirming his commitment to upholding the Constitution, President Ruto urged lawmakers to resist any attempts to amend term limits for personal or political advantage.
The proposal, introduced as the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024, seeks to increase the presidential term from five to seven years, with similar changes affecting Governors and Members of Parliament (MPs).
Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of a Prime Minister’s office, to be appointed by the President from among Members of Parliament (MPs).
“The Bill seeks to amend Article 151 by inserting a new section, 151A, which proposes to create the office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister shall be the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties in Parliament,” reads the bill.
Currently, elected officials in Kenya serve a five-year term, with the Constitution limiting executive positions—such as the presidency and governorships—to two terms. The proposed Bill seeks to amend these provisions, igniting widespread debate across the political landscape.
UDA distances itself from the proposal
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party led by President Ruto, has publicly distanced itself from Senator Samson Cherargei’s proposal.
In a statement released on Wednesday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar criticized the Bill, labeling it as “retrogressive” and “self-serving.” He argued that the proposal contradicts Kenya’s democratic principles.
Omar emphasized that this initiative poses a risk to the nation’s hard-won democratic achievements and could potentially reverse advancements made in governance.
“This cynical, profoundly misguided Bill contravenes the long-held aspiration of the Kenyan people to retire undemocratic entrenchment of unaccountable political monopolies,” Hassan stated.
Hassan Omar further stressed that the proposal would deprive the public of regular opportunities to hold their leaders accountable, violating the principle of direct sovereign power vested in the people of Kenya. He highlighted that such changes could weaken the democratic process and hinder citizen participation in governance.
Senate committee seeks public feedback
In light of the backlash against the proposal, the Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights is seeking public input on the Bill until October 25. The Committee’s review will determine whether the proposal advances or is shelved.
If approved, the Bill would extend term limits for the presidency while introducing similar changes for governors and their deputies. Notably, legislators would remain unaffected by term limits, allowing them to seek re-election every five years without restrictions.
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Additionally, the proposal reignites discussions about establishing the office of the Prime Minister, a topic previously addressed in constitutional debates, including the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and ongoing National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) talks.
Strong rejection from Ruto
President Ruto’s strong rejection of the Bill aligns with his consistent declarations to uphold the Constitution.
He has repeatedly stressed the importance of stability and accountability within government institutions, reinforcing his commitment to protecting democratic processes.
As public and political discussions surrounding the proposed Bill grow more intense, it remains uncertain whether the Senate will consider the suggested amendments or yield to the increasing pressure from both the executive and UDA leadership.
