Members of Parliament on Monday paved the way for Opposition leader Raila Odinga to vie for the presidency in 2022 if he wishes after they rejected a proposal to set the age limit for presidential candidates at 70 as discriminatory.
In a report to the National Assembly, Justice and Legal Affairs Committee the proposal was turned down because political offices are unique should not have the retirement age.
The report was in response to a petition by a Mohammed Sheikh from Wajir County who had sought to amend the Constitution to bar Kenyans above 70 years from contesting the presidency.
The proposal received with heavy criticism as MPs allied to the opposition leader claimed it was a scheme to lock him out from the 2022 presidential race.
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“The prayer to amend Article 137 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 on the qualifications for legibility to run for election as president and to set the retirement age of the President at the age of 70 years be disallowed as it is discriminatory,” the report stated.
“Certain State officers such as Judges and Magistrates are subjected to a retirement age except for political offices because these unique offices of leadership and wisdom, both traits that advance with age,” states the report.
The committee chaired by Baringo North MP William Cheptumo noted there was a growing trend by the country to celebrate the youth but belittling, disparaging and demeaning the elderly.
“To require that such persons cannot run for political office owing to their age would be tantamount to discriminations,” the report added.
The team further stated it was not factual that every person experiences medical challenges and life-threatening diseases as they age.
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“Indeed some elder members of society are fruitful and very productive in their old age,” the report added.
