MPs Dismiss Petition to Blocking DP William Ruto From Vying in 2022

Members of Parliament dismissed a petition which sought to block the Deputy President from vying for the presidency in 2022.

The petition which was proposed by Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda aimed at blocking DP William Ruto from vying for the presidency.

Ouda argued that the Deputy President had served his two terms alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta hence he should not vie in 2022 presidential election.

ODM as a party, however, distanced itself from the Kisumu Central lawmaker's motion.

[caption caption="ODM Chairman John Mbadi"][/caption]

The party's Chairman John Mbadi stated that Ouda brought the motion in Parliament in his private capacity and had nothing to do with the party.

In April a petition was filed by a Mr Mohamed Mohamud seeking to bar Opposition Leader Raila Odinga from vying for the top job in the country.

Mohamud was aiming 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 was disconcerting to have other State officers retire at a certain age and allow the political class to serve undeterred.

He argued that the unspecified age limit had led to a situation where leaders were "unwilling to surrender power to the younger generation".

[caption caption="Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda"][/caption]

Mohamud further suggested 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 destabilize the political calm being sought by leaders.