UDA Issues Statement Over Cherargei's Bill Seeking to Extend Presidential Term Limit

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has disassociated itself from the Bill seeking to extend the Presidential term limit.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei introduced the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposing to extend the presidential term from five to seven years. 

In a statement on Wednesday, October 2, UDA termed the Bill as misguided and self-serving, saying it pursues nothing but illegitimate, myopic, and retrogressive ends. 

"The masterminds and sponsors of the constitutional amendment bill, who are evidently preoccupied with sensational distractions and perverse indulgence in political delinquency and legislative mischief, have not engaged in sufficient reflection with regard to the historical origins, institutional basis and political necessity of term limits.

"Neither have they duly considered the explicit duty of leadership to respect, uphold and defend the letter and spirit of our constitution and our commitment to offer leadership of our common national project of fully actualising its values and principles," the statement read in part.

In the statement signed by acting UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, the party said it honours the long struggle for constitutional change, adding that it does not support the Bill in any manner.

"The party, therefore, disassociates itself from the repugnant and backward bill and calls any of its rank and file who leads, supports, or is in any manner whatsoever, involved with it, to order: The bill is incompatible with our policy and aspirations. This juvenile political misadventure is fundamentally an affront to our constitutional values must now be crushed," the statement further read.

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to amend Article 136, allowing for longer terms for the President, MPs, and governors.

The bill also proposes creating a Prime Minister's office, with the Prime Minister appointed from the largest party in Parliament. 

Additionally, it seeks to enhance the Senate's powers in vetting state officers and approving military deployments. 

However, amending the constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both houses and a public referendum, making significant changes challenging. 

The Bill has drawn the ire of Kenyans, who are now questioning the government's priorities, given the myriad of challenges they are currently facing.