Lawmakers warn Cherargei over extending presidential term limits
Two lawmakers from Western Kenya have opposed a move by Nandi Senator Samson Cheragei to increase presidential term limits from five years to seven.
During a public address at Mmungore primary school, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and his Matungu counterpart Oscar Nabulindo accused the controversial Cherargei of attempting to thrust Kenya into what they described as the “dark era” of extended presidential terms.
“He [Cherargey] is still living in the Moi era, people are suffering, and this one is still telling us to extend the term limit. I see our brother Didmus Barasa taking tea with Cherargei, so we want to send him to go tell him that it will not work, and he will be in for the bigger fight,” Wamboka proclaimed,
Nabulindo echoed these sentiments, underscoring that Kenya boasts a rich pool of capable leaders, and there is no rationale for prolonging a president’s term. “We can never go back to that era,” he declared firmly. “Kenya is a vast nation, and we have individuals who are more than capable of leading. Why must we extend this time?”
The leaders’ collective stance against Cherargey’s proposal underscores the divisive nature of this issue and sets the stage for a potentially heated debate in Kenyan politics.
According to Cherargei who is a close ally of President William Ruto, five years is not sufficient for a Head of State to come up with and implement his vision and policies.
In his recommendations before the National Dialogue commitee which is co-chaired by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichungwa and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Cherargei also seeks Kenyans to change the law to create offices of both the Prime Minister and Official Leader of Opposition.
If these proposals are actualised, a President could potentially rule Kenya for 14 years, instead of the current 10.
It also means President William Ruto could rule for 12 years or even up to two decades.
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