A senator from Kenya’s ruling coalition has proposed an extension of the presidential term limit from five to seven years.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who launched the move, said President William Ruto, who has been in office for about a year, might need more time to deliver his campaign manifesto.
A different UDA lawmaker made a proposal to abolish presidential term limits in the nation in November last year, but Mr Ruto rejected it.
In Kenya, the presidential term limit is established at two, and any modification must be approved by referendum.
However, Mr Cherargei’s proposal has sparked outrage among a section of Kenyans, with the opposition accusing the government of plotting to abolish presidential term limits.
“It’s never going to happen,” A Kenyan, Patrick Manjeru, wrote on microblogging X platform. “The constitution is clear: two terms of five years… No more.”
Also, on X, @Kigali_times argued, “This proposal might cause chaos; leave the constitution alone.”
“On the contrary, it should be reduced to four years, one term each for the next six elections. This is the only sure way to bring national cohesion and to prevent vested interests from entrenching themselves, thus allowing constitutionalism to be fully established,” an X user posted, according to BBC.
“If any leader cannot deliver in a period of 10 years, what is the need for adding four more?” another user wondered.
