UDA boss Johnson Muthama distances party from presidential term limit proposal
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairman Johnson Muthama has distanced the party from Fafi MP Salah Yakub’s proposal that sought to extend President William Ruto’s term of office.
Muthama explained the suggestion to drop the presidential term limits was the lawmaker’s personal opinion and not a stand taken by the ruling party.
“The statement by Fafi MP, Hon. Salah Yakub on scrapping the presidential term limit and capping it on the age limit has made many Kenyans get concerned and many have called me asking about the position of @UDAKenya.”
“As the National Party Chairman I wish. to categorically state that Hon. Yakub’s made a personal statement that has nothing to do with @UDAKenya. As a Party, we stand for open Democracy and we remain supportive of the two-term presidential limit and no ongoing discussions to scrap it.”
While sharing his thoughts on the matter, Yakub indicated there had been closed-door discussions among select party officials on the proposal.
He indicated the remaining is for the proposers to sit and draft the constitutional amendment Bill and forward it to Parliament.
Through Yakub lenses, the duration a Head of State stays at the helm should be based on age and not the period of service. Currently, the constitution bars a president from exceeding two terms with the seating president’s term beginning on the date on which the he/she is sworn in, and ending when the person next elected President is sworn in.
If the bill will be passed, Dr Ruto, 55, will have the leeway to seek re-election for up to four terms, 2027, 2032, 2037. However, President Ruto has not indicated any intention to contest beyond the current term limit.
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