Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale rubbished a proposal by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei seeking to extend term limits for elected leaders from 5 years to 7 years.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, the CS, a close ally of President William Ruto and founder of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), termed the bill a sideshow that will not even pass the first stage in the Senate.
“It will not even see the light of the day in the first reading in the Senate. It’s like driving on Thika Super Highway with brakes faulty. That is not something that should worry Kenyans. That requires a referendum,” he stated.
“He (Cherargei) needs two-thirds in the Senate and in the National Assembly. He won’t even get 10 people,” he observed.
“Our party (UDA) has made its position very clear. The president has made his position very clear. In our party, nobody curtails the freedom of another. Why does he want to extend it to 7 years? He must convince us,” he stated warning that any efforts to curtail democracy would not be tolerated.
The CS, a former majority leader in the National Assembly, noted that the UDA party does not allow curtailment of freedom of others. He stated that members of Parliament have legislative rights enshrined in Articles 93,94, 95, and for the Senate, article 96, and as such, everyone has a right to accept or reject any bill brought before the two houses.
He assured Kenyans not worried about the bill by Senator Cherargei adding, “It won't even reach second reading so Kenyans should not be bothered.”
Being a former ranking member of the legislature, CS Duale observed that it is not an easy task to raise the threshold to pass any bill in Parliament explaining that he had tried to facilitate the two-third gender bill could not raise the numbers.
“Why does he want to extend to 7 years he must convince us?” He questioned emphasising that as a state officer, he does not want to offend the custodian of impeachment.
He advised lawmakers to legislate bills that are in sync with the Constitution of Kenya. “My advice is for us to legislate on bills that are consistent with the Constitution, legislate on bills that are of value to the nation and to the citizens.”
He added that there are many bills that can be done and earn fame lawmakers adding, “But the 7-year extension no one is ready for it.”
It comes barely a day after the National Council for ODM party issued a directive to its elected MPs to shoot down the bill when brought to Parliament.
