Kenyans Strongly Oppose Bill To Extend Presidential Term Limits

Over 121,000 Kenyans Reject the Bill

On Thursday, the Senate received more than 121,000 written memorandums from Kenyans opposing a proposed law that aims to extend the term limits for the president and other elected officials. This response marks one of the strongest rejections of any bill, even surpassing the outcry against the Finance Bill, 2024, which led to nationwide protests.

As of the time the article was written, the emails continued pouring in, with at least one new memorandum arriving per second.

Public Participation Closing Soon

The window for public input on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024 closes on Friday, with a public participation forum scheduled at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

Senate to Hold Public Hearings on Proposed Extension of Presidential Term

What the Bill Proposes

The Bill, introduced by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, proposes the following:

Extending the terms for the president, senators, MPs, MCAs, and governors from five years to seven years.
Creating the Office of the Prime Minister, who would be appointed from the Members of Parliament.

This is the second attempt to change the presidential term limits since President William Ruto’s election in 2022. The first attempt, which aimed to scrap the term limits and replace them with an age limit of 75 years, was also rejected due to public outrage.

Widespread Opposition from the Public and Religious Groups

Many Kenyans, religious groups, and organizations have voiced strong opposition to the Bill, viewing it as an attempt by the political class to cling to power.

National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK): The NCCK argued that the current five-year term is enough for officeholders to implement policies. They emphasized that extending this period is unnecessary, as the existing two five-year terms already provide adequate time for development.
Ufungamano Joint Forum of Religious Organizations: This group criticized the Bill as self-serving and argued that it benefits the ruling class rather than improving governance. They also rejected the creation of the Office of the Prime Minister.

Both groups urged the Senate to listen to the voices of Kenyans and withdraw the Bill.

Public Participation in Action

The Senate reported that nearly all the memorandums received by 4 pm on Thursday rejected the Bill. Insiders estimated that by the Friday deadline, the total number of submissions could reach 200,000.

A public hearing organized by the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Committee is set to take place on Friday at KICC, offering more Kenyans the opportunity to present their views.

Opposition Within Parliament

Some Senators and political leaders have also expressed reservations about the Bill:

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina suggested tightening the rules for introducing such constitutional amendments, including requiring the support of two-thirds of Senate members before any Bill is introduced.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wah criticized the Bill, accusing the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance of attempting to hold onto power.

ALSO READ: Kiambu Senator Proposes 4-Year Term for Kenyan Leaders

Calls for a Referendum

Several leaders and religious figures, including Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, emphasized that any changes to the constitution should be decided through a referendum.

The Bill proposes several amendments to the constitution, including extending the presidential term and enhancing the powers of the Senate to vet state officers.

Government Denies Involvement

Some lawmakers, such as National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, have dismissed claims that the government is behind the Bill. The ruling party, UDA, has also distanced itself from the proposal, labeling it as an unnecessary distraction.

Conclusion

The overwhelming rejection of the Bill by both the public and various leaders reflects widespread dissatisfaction with attempts to alter the Constitution. As public participation comes to a close, all eyes are on the Senate to see whether they will heed the people’s call to reject the proposed changes.

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Key Points:

Bill’s Proposals: Extending presidential and other elected leaders’ terms from five to seven years.
Public Opposition: Over 121,000 Kenyans have submitted memorandums rejecting the Bill.
Religious Groups’ Stand: The NCCK and other religious bodies strongly oppose the extension.
Political Response: Mixed reactions in Parliament, with some pushing for stricter rules on constitutional amendments.