Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has proposed reducing the term limit for elected leaders from five years to four. He believes this shorter term will enhance accountability and encourage more political participation among Kenyans.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, Thang’wa explained, “A four-year term will give voters more frequent opportunities to hold their leaders accountable. It will also allow for fresh leadership, preventing power consolidation.”
Karungo Wa Thang’wa Opposes 7-Year Term Limit
Thang’wa’s proposal comes in response to a push for a seven-year term limit, which is part of a Constitutional Amendment Bill sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
The bill seeks to extend the term for all elective positions, including the presidency, governors, and MPs.
“I am against the seven-year term. Kenyans deserve more chances to evaluate their leaders,” Thang’wa stated. He added that longer terms might lead to public disengagement. “In seven years, people may lose interest and allow bad governance to thrive.”
He believes the four-year term will keep leaders more accountable to the people and stimulate ongoing public interest in the political process. “With shorter terms, citizens will feel empowered to influence leadership more often,” he added.
The Senate is currently gathering public opinions on Cherargei’s proposal.
By Vivian K.