President William Ruto on Wednesday reposted a statement shared by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party condemning the Bill proposed by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei that seeks to extend the presidential limit to seven years.
In an official statement, UDA has distanced itself from the Senator's plan, terming the attempt as cynical, profoundly misguided, and self-serving going against the democratic rights of Kenyans.
UDA Party Secretary General Hassan Omar condemned the Senator for the move, criticizing it for limiting Kenya's right to exercise profound leadership.
"It seeks to deny the people regular opportunities to hold leadership to account and directly exercise sovereign power."
The ruling party accused the senator and other politicians harboring similar plans of engaging in "political delinquency" and failing to appreciate the historical importance and institutional necessity of term limits.
"The masterminds and sponsors of the constitutional amendment bill... have not engaged in sufficient reflection about the historical origins, institutional basis, and political necessity of term limits." reads part of the statement.
The ruling party communicated that it appreciates Kenya's long history in clamoring for the promulgation of a new constitution.
"UDA remembers the lessons of our nation's history and honors the long struggle of the people of Kenya for constitutional change," the statement which the President reshared on his X account read.
"We have made impressive strides in consolidating our institutions, deepening our democracy, protecting our freedoms, and placing our economy on the sustainable path of inclusive prosperity."
The party has called upon Senator Cherargei and any other leaders sponsoring the Bill to immediately cease the attempt.
"This juvenile political experimentation and delinquent affront to our constitutional values must now crush to a halt!"
Senator Cherargei through his bill seeks to extend term limits for elective office holders, a proposal strongly rejected by his party UDA.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024 will see the president enjoy a 7-year term extended from the current 5 years if the Bill amends Article 136.
Apart from the President, the Bill seeks to extend the term limits for governors, Members of Parliament, and Senators.
In the Bill, Senator Cherargei also proposes the creation of the Office of the Prime Minister who will be appointed by the president.
This is not the first time this Bill has been fronted. In September 2023, the Bill was shelved after it elicited uproar among Kenyans.
