The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party led by President William Ruto has distanced itself from a proposal put forth by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to extend the presidential term limit to two seven-year terms.
Cherargei recently presented a memorandum to the National Dialogue Committee, proposing a constitutional amendment to extend each presidential term to seven years, allowing a president to serve for two terms. His rationale behind this amendment is to provide the president with ample time to effectively implement their manifesto.
UDA Party Statement on Cherargei Proposal
However, in an official statement, UDA Secretary Cleophas Malala made it clear that Senator Cherargei’s proposal does not align with the party’s position or that of President Ruto.
“The UDA Party respects and acknowledges Senator Cherargei’s personal views. However, specifically concerning the proposed extension of the presidential term limit, these views do not align with the UDA Party’s stance or that of our Party Leader, President William Ruto,” read part of Malala’s statement.
Malala emphasized that President Ruto had taken an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution, which clearly defines the presidential term limits.
“The President has solemnly sworn to respect, uphold, and defend the constitution, which unequivocally defines the presidential term limit.”
UDA Elected Leaders React
In addition, Senate Majority Party Whip Boni Khalwale criticized the proposal seeking to extend the presidential term limit from the current five to seven years. He deemed the proposal as “absolute nonsense” and emphasized the significance of the 2010 Constitution, which restricts the presidential term limit to two five-year terms.
“This is absolute nonsense, and I want to advise Kenyans to be cautious of individuals like Cherargei, who seem unaware of the origins of such statements and have merely stumbled into high office. The new constitution emerged after years of deliberations on the pros and cons of term limits,” Khalwale stated.
The proposal, aiming to extend the presidential term limit and potentially enable President Ruto to rule for up to two decades, has stirred significant controversy and opposition. It’s crucial to note that any changes to the constitutional framework would require a national referendum, ensuring the active involvement of the Kenyan people in making such pivotal decisions.
Written by Boniface Kamau
