The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has taken a stand on the proposed bill that seeks to extend the presidential term limits from five years to seven years.
Ole Sapit while speaking on the bill proposed by Nandi Senator Samsom Cherargei, warned against the proposed constitutional amendment bill on presidential term limit, stating that any attempt to alter the structure of the constitution must involve the citizens through a referendum.
“Our electoral circle is a five-year term, and it is stipulated it will be the second Tuesday of every August of the fifth year,” Ole stated in a media interview.
Further, Ole Sapit reiterated, “In case of changing, Kenyans need to agree through a referendum.”
Reason Term Limit Amendment
Nandi Senator Samsom Cherargei, who is the sponsor of the bill, states that the increase of the term limit aims at giving more time to the elected President as well as other elected leaders to deliver on development projects.
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Furthermore, he outlines that the Seven years will offer the president a good opportunity to deliver his manifesto.
He further, argues that the persistent presidential election disputes and subsequent court battles eat up about two years before the elected president can settle down and concentrate on development matters.
On the other hand, legislators from across the political divide have openly spoken against the proposal. On his part, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa advocated for a reduction of the term limit.
Contrary to Samson’s proposal, Karungo proposes a reduction in the term limit of elective offices.
“A seven-year term would diminish the frequency with which citizens can evaluate their leaders making it hard to demand changes,” stated Karungo while submitting his views before the Senate Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
“I am proposing an amendment that proposes a four-year term limit for the President, member of parliament, Senators, governors, and Members of County assemblies.”
Also Read: Ole Sapit Calls Out Ruto, Says Country Headed in Wrong Direction
Karungo on Why Four Years
Karungo proposes that reducing the term limit to four years will enhance accountability and encourage political participation.
At the same time, Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah has made public his stand on the matter saying that the bill is dead on arrival.
Kenyans have up to Friday to submit their memorandum on the proposed bill to the Senate. In addition, several Kenyans have reacted in favour of the reduction of the bill instead of the increase.
“In fact, the term limit should be reduced to a four-year term. We are just tired of cycles of 5-year terms that end with nothing to celebrate about,” one Kenyan reacted.
Others sarcastically suggest the term limit be reduced even to three years, claiming they are tired of the five-year term while others have termed the proposal as greedy for power.
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