The United Democratic Alliance Party has distanced itself from plans to increase the presidential term to seven years.
In a statement on Monday, September 25, UDA through its Secretary General Cleophas Malala affirmed that it was not party to the proposal by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
“The UDA Party respects and upholds the Senator’s personal views but particularly on the referenced subject, those views do not reflect on the perspectives of the UDA party,” the statement read in part.
According to Malala, President Ruto swore to uphold and respect the provisions of the constitution including the one on presidential term limit.
He went on to state that UDA as the ruling party was focused on delivering on its promises to the people of Kenya and described the debate about the term limit as “superfluous and peripheral.”
“UDA Party does not support the proposals emanating from the bi-partisan talks of increasing the presidential term limit from 5 years to 7 years,” the stated.
Malala’s statement came days after the Nandi Senator sparked an outrage over his remarks proposing a revision of the presidential term limit.
Cheragei’s argument
While submitting his views before the Bipartisan talks committee in Bomas, Cherargei argued that five years’ time as provided in the current provisions is insufficient for a government to implement its plans for the nation.
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Further, the outspoken senator argued that increasing the term to seven years would afford the country stability and allow pragmatic development.
He further noted that Kenya’s presidential elections are usually a do or a die adventure due to the frequency in which they are conducted.
Kenyans’ reactions
However, the proposals became a talking point for Kenyans with a section expressing their reservations.
On Sunday, Kakamega Senator and Majority Whip Boni Khalwale expressed his disapproval for the proposal noting that it should be dismissed.
Also Read: Cherargei’s 7-Year Presidential Term Limit Proposal Sparks Online Uproar
“Extension of the constitutional presidential term limit as proposed by the senator of Nandi County, Cherargei, should be dismissed with the contempt that it deserves,” Khalwale stated.
Deputy Minority Leader in the National Assembly Robert Mbui also weighed in on the debate stating that the proposal is unacceptable.
“We have always been worried about the management of Kenya Kwanza in their attempt to abolish the presidential term limit. It is totally unacceptable, and these are the games that we do not want,” Mbui affirmed.