The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has defended his controversial proposal to extend Kenya’s presidential term limit from five to seven years.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024 — which sought to lengthen both presidential and parliamentary terms — was rejected following widespread public backlash. President William Ruto’s UDA party and allied lawmakers also distanced themselves from the idea.
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Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Cherargei argued that longer terms would give leaders more time to deliver development instead of engaging in constant politicking.
“Kenya is in campaign mode every year. Some leaders start campaigning the day after they are declared winners. This could be why we see little meaningful development,” he said.
He further noted that five years is too short for leaders to fully implement their agendas, insisting that such reforms would benefit future generations.
The debate resurfaced after the rejected Bill circulated online this week, sparking outrage from Kenyans who warned the changes would erode democratic gains of the 2010 Constitution.
The Bill had sought to amend Article 101 to extend MPs’ terms and Article 136 to lengthen the President’s term from five to seven years.
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Public criticism accused politicians of seeking to cling to power rather than addressing Kenya’s economic and social challenges.
In a statement, the Senate clarified that the proposal was already dismissed after strong public opposition. It added that the current reform agenda — the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — only seeks to strengthen devolution.
