Opposition mounts on bid to extend presidential term limit

Homa Bay County Assembly will reject any proposals aimed at amending the constitution with the intention of increasing the presidential term limit.

The county assembly argued that reviewing the presidential term limit would violate privileges anchored in the 2010 constitution.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has raised the idea with the bipartisan talks team at the Bomas.

Cherargei wants the presidential term limit to be extended to seven years from the current five years.

The senator has already submitted his memorandum to the talks’ team for consideration.

Should talks team committee members okay it the matter will go to parliament and be brought to county assemblies for approval before subjecting it to referendum.

The proposal has however caused mixed reactions across the political divide as some are in favor while others have rejected it.

In Homa Bay, the county assembly Speaker Julius Gaya rejected the move saying the proposal would affect other leadership positions including the election of governors, senators, MPs and MCAs.

Gaya described the proposal as unpopular and individualistic meant to suit the interests of the few.

He said laws should be made for prosperity and not for individuals.

“Homa Bay county assembly will stand with the majority of Kenyans whom we know will reject the unpopular idea. You can't amend the constitution to suit the interests of a few individuals,” Gaya said.

Speaking to journalists in his Homa Bay town office, Gaya said the extension of the presidential term limit must be decided by the people through a referendum.

According to Gaya, most Kenyans will oppose the proposals.

“It would have been important for Cherargei to prioritize the needs of Kenyans. Many Kenyans want the cost of living lowered,” he said.

Cherargei was accused of trying to confuse the team leading bipartisan talks by diverting attention of Kenyans from discussing issues affecting the country.

Kenya is faced with several challenges including a high cost of living.

Kasgunga MCA Nurah Odongo and his West Karachuonyo counterpart Samuel Lieta also opened plans to extend the presidential term limit.

Odongo argued that Kenya should emulate other countries including the US where despite attaining their independence decades ago, no proposal has been issued to extend the presidential term limit.

Lieta said Cherargei's opinion is likely to set a precedent that heads of state who will be elected in the future will set their own term limits.

“Two terms limit with an opportunity for reelection is enough for one to start and finish development projects. The constitution serves us well and there is no reason to amend it now,” Lieta said.

Suba North UDA coordinator Bruce Ogweno supported the proposal saying it will give the president adequate time to implement their agenda.

He recommends the same for county governors.

“The president and governors are the custodians of resources. They should be given enough time to serve,” Ogweno said.