Miguna: Changing constitution will make Ruto a one-term President
Miguna Miguna has laughed off a proposal to change the law so as to allow Kenya’s President William Ruto to extend his term of office for up to two decades.
In a tweet, the outspoken Miguna suggests an attempt to extend President Ruto’s tenure could actually make him a one-term president.
A cruel joke. Can’t pass. Won’t pass a referendum. Those mooting this nonsense are desperate to make @WilliamsRuto a one-term president. Don’t even imagine it! https://t.co/rgU274ZbDW
— Dr. Miguna Miguna (@MigunaMiguna) November 8, 2022
He also urged the elected leaders to concentrate on offering services to the people, other than thinking about extending the President’s term of office.
Chairman, tell Yakub and those testing the will of Kenyans to stop their exuberant hallucinations and focus on providing services to the people. https://t.co/kbEDSfF2pN
— Dr. Miguna Miguna (@MigunaMiguna) November 8, 2022
The proposal to remove the term limit from Kenya’s constitution was suggested by Fafi Member of Parliament Salah Yakub.
He argues the duration a Head of State stays at the helm should be based on age and not the period of service.
Yakub further claimed that the possible law has been discussed in close quarters within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, President Ruto’s led movement.
A proposal of such magnitude would require the proposer to marshal a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament, as well as a simple majority of Kenyans in a referendum.
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.
According to Article 142 of the Constitution, the President shall hold office for a term beginning on the date on which the President is sworn in, and ending when the person next elected President is sworn in.
If this bill passes in parliament, President Ruto would be eligible to contest in 2027, 2032, and 2037 elections.
However, he has not publicly indicated intent to rule beyond ten years.
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