Religious leaders have expressed concerns over the proposed bill by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei seeking to extend the term limits for political offices, including the presidency, from five years to seven years.
The bill has sparked public debate, with many calling for constitutional clarity on the matter.
Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit is among the vocal critics of the proposal, emphasizing that any amendments to the constitution should involve a national referendum.
“Our constitution clearly states five years per term. Any change must involve the Kenyan people through a referendum,” Sapit said, urging lawmakers to tread carefully on such a sensitive issue.
The bill not only seeks to increase the presidential term to seven years but also proposes similar extensions for Members of Parliament, Senators, Governors, and Members of County Assemblies.
If passed, a president would be eligible to serve a total of 14 years over two terms, compared to the current 10 years.
Senator Cherargei defends the bill, arguing that the extended term would provide elected officials, particularly the president, with sufficient time to implement development projects and fulfill their campaign promises.
He contends that frequent election cycles often disrupt government continuity, noting that a president typically takes at least two years to settle into office following election disputes and legal battles.
However, not all leaders support the proposed changes. Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has submitted an alternative proposal to the Senate, advocating for a reduction of the presidential term from five years to four years, emphasizing that shorter terms would enhance accountability among elected officials.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa dismissed the proposal, stating that it would not gain sufficient support in Parliament, describing the bill as “dead on arrival.”
Kenyans have until Friday to submit their memoranda on the proposed bill, which is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.
By Citizen Digital