Parliament Admits Petition Locking Raila Out of 2022 Presidential Race

Opposition leader Raila Odinga could be barred from contesting for the Presidency in 2022 if Members of Parliament approve a petition on age limit.

This comes after Parliament admitted a petition filed Mohammed Sheikh from Wajir County, who wants the Constitution amended to block Kenyans above 70 years from running for the country's top seat.

If the motion get a green light, then Odinga, 73, will be forced to shelve any future bids for Presidency if he has any. However, a section of MPs have declared the petition dead on arrival, terming it a mischievous attempt to lock Odinga out of the Presidential race.

Endebess MP Robert Pukose and his Mvita counterpart Abdulswamad Nassir have urged National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to strike out the petition, terming it a waste of time.

“This motion will only be a waste of Parliament time. It is in bad faith and a mischievous way to lock out one Kenyan from seeking the presidency. In the spirit of the handshake, we should not spoil the mood by introducing such a mischievous petition,” argued Mr Pukose.

Although Majority Leader Aden Duale was against the petition, he said the petitioner has a right to be heard.

“I agree with members that this is not a good petition. It is misplaced. But we should not demean petitioners. Let us not scare Kenyans who are constitutionally granted the right to approach this House on any matter. This petition needs to be given good time and good consideration,” said Duale.