Tiaty MP William Kamket has expressed his unwavering support for President William Ruto while hitting out at government critics.
Speaking in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County on Sunday, January 5, Kamket exuded confidence that William Ruto would be elected as President in the 2027 general election.
Kamket sensationally said they could tell President Ruto to extend his term despite the 2010 constitution clearly stating that one can only serve as president for two terms.
“President Ruto, you will be reelected for a second term. I come from Baringo County, and we know how to manufacture a President to stay in power for 24 years. If they joke around, we can ask you to extend your term,” Kamket said.
However, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi dismissed Kamket's, noting that Ruto respects the constitution and will leave after omce his term is over
Read More
“Kamket has said here that we can make a decision for the president to rule for the next 24 years. We are people who respect the Constitution. Mr. President, you have eight years left and it will be the time to pack up and go home," he said.
The Constitution stipulates that the President serves a five-year term and may be re-elected for one additional term, capping the presidency at a maximum of two terms.
This framework is designed to promote democratic governance and prevent the concentration of power.
Article 142 on the Term of The President section 2 states, "A person shall not hold office as President for more than two terms."
In October 2024, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei introduced a bill proposing to extend the terms of elected officials, including the President, from five to seven years.
Cherargei argued that a longer term would provide leaders with sufficient time to fulfill their mandates and deliver on campaign promises.
*Even statistics have shown the economy does badly on that year. So you only have three years to work for the people. "I think if you give 7 years as the term limit for the President, you minus the two (one in settling and one during the campaigning period) you will get 5 years which all Kenyans are arguing about," he said.
The proposal sparked significant public outcry, with many Kenyans expressing their opposition through various platforms.
Notably, the Senate's email system was overwhelmed by more than 200,000 submissions, leading to technical issues.
Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party swiftly distanced themselves from the proposal.
UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar labeled the bill as repugnant and backward, emphasizing that it contradicts Kenya's democratic ideals.
"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 offering leadership of our common national project of fully actualizing its values and principles," the statement read in part.
