Nandi Senator Samson Kiprotich Cherargei has ignited political discourse with his draft Constitution Amendment bill, which proposes an extension of the presidential term limit to seven years.
Cherargei’s bill, still awaiting publication, aims to amend key articles of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, focusing on electoral procedures and term limits for top political offices.
The proposed amendment rekindles previous claims, suggesting President William Ruto’s party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), entertained thoughts of elongating the presidential term from five to seven years, as mentioned by Fafi MP Salah Yakub in 2022.
However, UDA leadership promptly dismissed Yakub’s assertions.
Undeterred, Senator Cherargei, a vocal ally of Ruto, reintroduced the topic, arguing for the insufficiency of a five-year term for presidents and governors to fully implement their agendas.
Cherargei’s bill, now before the Senate Justice and Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee under Senator Hillary Sigei’s leadership, proposes a single seven-year term for presidents and governors, alongside the creation of a Prime Minister’s Office.
Additionally, it suggests empowering the Senate to vet high-ranking officials and allocating 40% of national revenue to counties, up from the current 15%.
Moreover, the bill aims to streamline the impeachment process for governors and deputy governors, limiting challenges to the Supreme Court, and requires joint approval from the National Assembly and the Senate for deploying the Kenya Defence Forces.
To amend the Constitution, a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate is essential, followed by a referendum requiring a simple majority of votes from Kenyan citizens.
Cherargei’s proposal has sparked significant discussion and will undergo thorough examination as it progresses through the legislative channels.
By Vivian K.