President Rejects Seven-Year Term Proposal in Constitutional Amendment Bill

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his dedication to preserving the integrity of Kenya's Constitution amid a contentious bill proposal.

The President emphasizes the critical importance of upholding democratic principles and urges lawmakers to resist any attempts to modify term limits for personal or political gain. The controversial bill, introduced by Senator Samson Cherargei, proposes significant changes to the current constitutional framework. It seeks to extend the presidential tenure to seven years, a modification that would also apply to governors and Members of Parliament. This would represent a substantial increase from the current five-year term.

Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of a Prime Minister position, to be appointed by the president from among parliamentary members and serve as the leader of the largest party or coalition in Parliament. Further amendments outlined in the bill include changes to the procedure for removing governors or deputy governors from office. The proposed alteration to Article 181 would limit challenges to removal decisions to the Supreme Court exclusively, a move that has raised concerns about potential reductions in checks and balances on executive power. President Ruto's opposition to the bill aligns with the stance taken by his party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The party's Secretary General Hassan Omar has publicly denounced the bill, describing it as misguided and self-serving.

Omar argues that the proposed changes would deprive citizens of regular opportunities to hold leadership accountable and exercise their sovereign power directly. Critics argue that extending presidential term limits could undermine democratic foundations and potentially pave the way for authoritarian rule. Conversely, supporters of the bill claim that longer terms would provide greater stability and enable the implementation of long-term policies. This development occurs against a backdrop of political tension and public dissatisfaction with the government. Recently, President Ruto faced significant backlash over the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed new taxes and sparked widespread protests.

The President ultimately withdrew the bill following violent clashes and public outcry. The proposed constitutional amendments have also raised concerns about the concentration of power within the executive branch. The creation of a Prime Minister position, appointed by the president, has been viewed by some as a move to consolidate power and diminish the role of Parliament. Furthermore, the amendment limiting challenges to removal decisions to the Supreme Court has been criticized for potentially reducing accountability and transparency in the process of removing governors and deputy governors.