President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance party has distanced itself from a proposal by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to extend the presidential term limit to seven years.
In a statement on Monday, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala said they are not in support of the proposal.
Malala clarified that the remarks made by Cherargei do not in any way represent the views of the party on the matter.
"The UDA Party respects and upholds the Senator's personal views but particularly on the referenced subject, those views do not reflect the perspectives of the UDA Party and/or its Party Leader, President William Ruto," he said.
"The President solemnly swore to respect and uphold and defend the constitution which is abundantly clear and categorical on the Presidential term limit."
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The ruling party SG went on to say they are focused on delivering the campaign promises they made to Kenya.
"In doing so, we are guided by the timeline to the next general elections. Respectfully, therefore, the term limit debate is superfluous and peripheral."
Senator Cherargei presented a memorandum to the bi-partisan talks committee proposing the extension of term limits to 7 years, up from 5 years.
He argued that five years is not enough for one to fulfil campaign promises.
“Increase the presidential term to seven years: Whereas the current Constitution provides for a two-term presidential term limit comprising ten years there is a need to increase the same to two terms of seven years each, ” Cherargei told the dialogue committee.
He said increasing the term limits will help reduce the political temperatures facing the country every electioneering period.
“Besides, the Kenyan presidential election is always highly profiled as a result of it being conducted within a short period of time, thus making it a do-or-die adventure,” Cherargei argued.
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