Nandi Senator Samson Cheragei has presented a proposal before the bipartisan team, seeking an upward review of the presidential term from 5 years to 7 years.
The National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) chaired by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, confirmed receipt of the memorandum that seeks to have the constitution amended.
Furthermore, the 10-member dialogue committee noted that it would have to conduct interrogations of the submissions before making any recommendations on the matter.
According to Cherargei, five years in office is not enough time for the implementation of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto and running the government.
Also, the lawmaker, an ally of President William, wants the changes, if adopted, to be implemented immediately.
At the same time, Cherargei wants the dialogue team to establish the Office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister according to the proposal will sit in parliament and act as the official spokesman of the government in the house.
Also Read: Cherargei Claims Media is in Denial that William Ruto is President
What the Law Says About the Presidential Term
According to Article 142 of Chapter 9 of the Constitution, “the President shall hold office for a term beginning on the date on which the President was sworn in and ending when the person next elected President in accordance with Article 136 (2) (a) is sworn in.”
Because the constitution only provides for a five-year term with the option of another five-year term, changing the structure of the constitution will necessitate a referendum.
If Cherargei’s proposal is implemented, whoever is elected president will serve for seven years, with the option of being re-elected for another seven years.
Ruto is serving his first term, which is set to lapse in 2027 and has already launched a spirited re-election bid. If the proposals are adopted, Ruto’s first term will end in 2029 and should he win a second term, he would occupy the house on the hill up to 2036.
Other Proposals Made Before the Committee
Other teams who appeared before the conversation team included the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which recommended holding presidential elections independently from other elected offices.
“We are proposing that since the presidential election is the only contest, we have it conducted on its separate day,” IEBC CEO Marjan Marjan stated.
Also Read: 6-Member Team Named to Discuss IEBC Composition
Additionally, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) proposed that the president orders a general wage increase.
According to COTU, this would force all firms to raise wages for their employees to help them absorb the shocks of the current economic downturn.
Concerning the two-thirds gender requirement, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) want the law altered so that gubernatorial candidates choose a member of the opposite gender as a running partner.
“If the governor is male, the deputy should be female,” stated Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge.
