National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga is among the people who would be barred from vying for the presidency following a petition filed in Parliament barring hopeful above the age of 70 years from vying.
Wajir resident Mohamud Abdi filed a six-page petition to Parliament to have the presidential age limit capped stating that people aged above 70 years and above are less productive due to unstable health conditions.
“Science has it that persons above the age of 70 years are more susceptible to chronic illness and other lifestyle diseases. The productivity of individuals above this age relates to their effectiveness to discharge national duties is doubtful,” Abdi explained.
[caption caption="Raila Odinga"]
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He noted that laws restricting the restricting the retirement age of public servants at 60 should be applied to presidential candidates.
“While other state officers are exposed to a retirement age, for instance, judges under Article 167 of the Constitution and other public officers, the retirement age of the political class is unrestricted and unfettered.
“It is left at the whims of individual choices, therefore, making Kenyans susceptible to a recycled crop of leaders who are often unwilling to surrender the political space to the younger generation,” he added.
If the petition sails through, Raila (73) will be ruled out from vying while co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka who will be 69 years in 2022 will not be able to complete his term if he wins the presidency.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula will also suffer a similar fate as he will be aged 66 years in 2022.
[caption caption="DP William Ruto"]
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Those who will gain an upper hand will be Deputy President William Ruto, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi who will not be victims of the cap.
