A UDA lawmaker recently revealed plans to seek the scrapping of the presidential term limit, noting that the cap should be on age, not period of service.
Fafi MP Salah Yakub said that the lawmakers are working on a constitutional amendment Bill to replace the two-term limit with an age limit of 75 years.
The two-term limit came into effect ahead of the 1992 elections following the repeal of section 2A of the old constitution. The 2010 Constitution maintained the presidential term limit.
If by any chance the MPs have their way, they would give President Dr William Ruto, the ability to seek re-election for four terms, or 20 years since he is aged 55.
Proposal denied
UDA Chairperson Johnston Muthama, while reacting to news reports on Tuesday, said the party had not discussed the matter and that the proposal by one of its member was not supported by the party.
Sentiments to lift the two-term limit were voiced by Fafii MP Yakub Salah (UDA) who claimed that a group of UDA MPs were working on a legislative proposal to remove the two-term limit and replace it with an age limit of 75.
“As the National Party chairman, I wish to categorically state that Hon. Yakub made a personal statement which has nothing to do with UDA. As a Party, we stand for open democracy and we remain supportive of the two-term presidential limit and (there) no ongoing discussions to scrap it,”
Muthama said.
Candid blogger Denis Itumbi who is allied to President Ruto termed the proposal by Fafi lawmaker as outright “stupid” saying it does not enjoy the blessings of the President.
By Wanjiru Mbaru