Digital strategist and President William Ruto’s ally, Dennis Itumbi, on Tuesday, November 8, opposed a plan to extend the presidential term limit.
In a statement, Itumbi stated that the proposed plan, reportedly by the United Democratic Alliance - UDA, was against Ruto's wishes.
“This move does not enjoy the signature or the nod of President William Ruto - I oppose!” he stated.
The proposed move seems not to be attracting support, especially from Ruto’s allies as this has also seen Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale and UDA chairman Johnson Muthama siding with Itumbi.
“The statement by Fafi MP, Hon. Salah Yakub on scrapping of the presidential term limit and cap it on age limit has made many Kenyans to get concerned and many have called me asking the position of UDA. Please take note of this, as the National Party, Chairman I wish to categorically state that Hon. Yakub's made a personal statement that has nothing to do with UDA. As a Party, we stand for open Democracy and we remain supportive of the two-term presidential limit and no ongoing discussions to scrap it.” stated Muthama.
“Hon Salah Yakub, the new MP for Fafi Constituency. I don't know him yet. Granted, he enjoys the freedom of speech.
However, he must be reminded that UDA believes in the doctrine of Basic Structure & Essential Clauses in our Constitution. He is wrong & grossly out of order,” emphasized Khalwale.
Itumbi made the remarks after it emerged that plans were underway to amend the Constitution to allow Ruto rule beyond the two-term limit, which lapses in 2032, should he win the seat in 2027.
While granular details of the talks remain scanty, Fafi Member of Parliament Salah Yakub, spilled the beans, of the looming push for constitutional review.
"We want to tell Kenyans that the limit on two terms should be relooked. We want it to be changed to an age limit where one gets to 75 years then he or she cannot contest," he stated.
Should the plan materialise, Ruto could rule the country for 20 years, and handover power in 2042 when he will be 75. However, Kenya's 5th President has made no mention of clinging to power beyond the constitutional limit.
Yakub stated that negotiations about the plan had taken place behind closed doors, but fell short of naming lawmakers behind the schemer and stating whether the UDA luminaries approved of it.
Yakub added that the constitutional change Bill was still far from maturity as it was yet to be drafted and sent to Parliament.
In the run up to the 2022 elections, Ruto vowed to uphold the constitution and the rule of law. Ruto criticized his predecessor, who he claimed, disobeyed several court orders.
He further promised to form a team that would assess all court orders that were disobeyed.
Following the abolition of section 2A of the previous constitution, the two-term restriction was effected prior to the 1992 elections. The presidential term limit was retained under the 2010 Constitution.
With barely three months after a fiercely contested presidential election, Kenyans are questioning the motive of such a plot, and wondering if constitutional amendment to extend the rule of a sitting president is a priority.
