Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has proposed an increment of the current 5-year presidential term limit to 7 years.
“Whereas the current constitution provides for two term presidential term limit comprising of ten years there is need to increase the same to two terms of seven years each,” reads part of the memorandum seen by The Kenya Times.
In the memorandum submitted to the National Dialogue Committee on September 22 at the Bomas of Kenya senator Cherargei argues that his proposal would give the president ample time to implement their manifesto.
“This enables the president to have good opportunity to form and establish a formidable team to deliver his manifesto,” it further reads.
Moreover, the Nandi senator notes that this extension of the presidential term limit would also help in addressing Kenya’s persistent electoral challenges.
“The Kenya presidential election is always highly profiled as a result of it being conducted within a short period of time thus making it a Do or Die adventure,” the memorandum reads.
Also Read: Not Even a Coma Will be Amended in the Proposed Finance Bill Senator Cherargei
Kenyan’s Reactions
However, the legislator’s proposal has sparked a lot of mixed reactions among Kenyans online with a large number against the extension of the presidential term limit.
X user Ken Ombogo strongly opposed the proposal by the senator saying, “In my opinion, there is no justification to extend the presidential term limit. In the event that you have a bad administration, you will have to endure it for 14 years instead of the current 10 years. We should reduce it to 8 years, just like the US, and make it rotational to give the smaller ethnic groups an opportunity, like your objective at number three above.”
Likewise, in sharing the same sentiments user Zachary Omwenga noted that, “I strongly disagree with you on the matter of the presidential term limit, I would rather have it down to 4 years 2 term limit. The office has a lot of resources and greater influence. Any serious candidate has enough time to define his/her legacy.
Some netizens supported the legislator’s proposal partially making their own recommendations to the proposed presidential term limit.
X user Jusper Mogire stated that “The 7-year presidential term should be for one term only with easier recall not impeachment procedures.”
I recommend reduction of the presidential term to 4 years. A sincere Kenyan voter, X user identified only as Osis wrote.
Nonetheless, a few seemed to be sarcastic in their reactions to senator Cherargei’s proposal. One of them is X user Issac K who stated that, “We don’t want extensions of term limits, we want total removal of term limits. God can’t give us leaders just for that short period of time. We must pay for our sins properly. 14 years is not enough.
Abuya Masta said “USA wako na 4 years presidential term limit, instead ya kureduce mnaongeza tena,” Loosely translated as ‘the United States have a presidential term limit of 4 years, you should be reducing the term limit instead of adding more years.’
Also Read: Ababu Namwamba Comes Face to Face with Cherargei
Cherargei’s Proposals
Aside from the increment of the head of state’s term limit, the Nandi senator is also seeking for several other amendment. These are.
- Re-reintroduction of the office of the prime minister
- The creation of the office of the official opposition leader
- He wants the senate to be given veto powers on the bills in parliament
- Cherargei is seeking to have parties give 30% to the youth, women and PWDs during nominations in the general elections.
- He is proposing for the increment to 40% allocation to counties in National revenue.
Nevertheless, the National Dialogue Committee had early this month invited members of the public to give their views on the agenda of the ongoing bi-partisan talks between the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party.
