Kenyan Diaspora Cautions Ruto Against Democratic Backsliding and Term Limits

Kenyan diaspora members have announced plans to engage international partners and the global community regarding emerging threats to democracy in their homeland.

In a statement to the Nation, representatives highlight several pressing concerns including the contentious impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, ongoing delays in establishing a new electoral commission, and a controversial proposal to extend presidential term limits. The Diasporians Against Corruption in Kenya (DACK) has taken a strong stance against recent political developments, characterizing them as unconstitutional actions that pose significant risks to democratic principles. DACK Chairperson Ben Ateku specifically criticizes the swift removal of Deputy President Gachagua, describing it as a politically motivated effort by the Kenya Kwanza government to consolidate power.

"The Deputy President's removal represents both a personal attack on the office holder and signals growing intolerance toward dissenting voices within the ruling party," Ateku states.

The organization has also expressed serious concerns about the delayed formation of a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Despite President William Ruto's approval of the IEBC (Amendment) Bill 2024 more than three months ago and his commitment to expedite the commission's reconstitution, progress has stalled. A court decision in September further complicated matters by blocking the appointment of the selection panel. The electoral body has remained non-functional since January of the previous year, following the conclusion of former chairperson Wafula Chebukati's term alongside two commissioners.

DACK Communications Director Steve Mbugua emphasized that the IEBC's prolonged vacancy raises particular concerns, especially given the widespread public interest in recalling parliamentarians who supported both the Deputy President's impeachment and the Finance Bill 2024. The organization has urged President Ruto to accelerate the IEBC's formation through a transparent and inclusive process. Mbugua warns that the current situation casts doubt on the integrity of future electoral processes. The diaspora community has also registered strong opposition to proposed constitutional amendments that would extend presidential and parliamentary term limits to seven years.

They view this proposal, currently under consideration through the Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill, as a deliberate attempt to entrench political power and reverse democratic progress. With the deadline for memoranda submission approaching on October 25, these concerns have taken on increased urgency. In their concluding remarks, the diaspora representatives call for heightened vigilance among Kenyans both at home and abroad to protect democratic institutions. They emphasize the importance of dialogue and consensus-building in addressing contentious issues, warning that failure to do so could exacerbate political divisions and instability under President Ruto's administration.