Opposition leader Raila Odinga, 73, could be barred from vying for any elective post in 2022 should a petition in Parliament succeed.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi directed that the petition filed by a Mr Mohamed Mohamud from Garissa be heard by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on Thursday.
Mr Mohamud is seeking to have the legislators pass a motion to cap the age requirement for the presidency and other elective posts at 70 years.
According to the petitioner, it is disconcerting to have other State officers retire at a certain age and allow the political class to serve undeterred.
[caption caption="Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chair William Cheptumo"]
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He argues that the unspecified age limit has led to a situation where leaders are "unwilling to surrender power to the younger generation".
He further suggests that an individual beyond the age of 70 is incapable of discharging national duties effectively.
Members of Parliament (MPs) shared mixed reactions to the petition with some arguing that any such legislation would destabilise the political calm being sought by leaders.
"This petition is a waste of Parliament’s time and should not have been admitted. It is mischievous and misplaced and should be rejected.
"We need to make laws for posterity and not those that target certain individuals," Endebes MP Robert Pukose told journalists.
Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir added: "When a petitioner brings something like this to the House, my only prayer to the committee is to give him three minutes. This will stop others from presenting dubious petitions to Parliament."
Majority Leader Aden Duale echoed the dissenting opinions while urging the MPs to give the petitioner a chance nonetheless.
"The petition may not be good. It may be misplaced but let us not demean it as it will scare other citizens," he stated.
Minority Leader John Mbadi added: "Let’s give him time. He probably has problems with old people. The committee could counsel him so that he can appreciate that wisdom comes with age."
[caption caption="Minority Leader John Mbadi"]
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