The Senate received over 121,000 written submissions from Kenyans by Thursday evening, overwhelmingly rejecting a Bill aimed at extending the term limits for the president and other elected leaders.
Parliamentary insiders noted that no previous Bill, not even the widely criticized 2024 Finance Bill, had ever sparked this level of public outcry.
Emails opposing the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024 continued to arrive at a rate of nearly one per second. The public participation period closes today (Friday) with a forum scheduled at KICC.
The Bill, introduced by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, proposes extending the terms of the president, senators, MPs, MCAs, and governors from five to seven years.
This has sparked national backlash, with many viewing it as an attempt by politicians to cling to power. This marks the second attempt to change the presidential term limit since President William Ruto’s election in 2022.
A prior proposal by Fafi MP Farah Yakub to remove the limit and replace it with a 75-year age cap was shelved after public outcry.
Groups like the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Ufungamano Joint Forum of Religious Organizations are among those condemning the proposal.
NCCK Secretary General Canon Chris Kinyanjui argued that the current five-year term is sufficient, while Ufungamano criticized the Bill as self-serving.
According to Senate sources, nearly all submissions to date oppose the Bill, which is expected to garner over 200,000 objections by the close of the participation period.
A public hearing hosted by the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Committee will allow further input from citizens.
In response to the backlash, Senate leaders are considering tightening rules on introducing constitutional amendments. Narok Senator Ledama Olekina suggested requiring two-thirds of Senate members’ support before a Bill is presented.
Prominent voices against the Bill include Senate Minority Whip Stewart Madzayo, who argued that such proposals waste public resources.
Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit added that any changes to term limits would require a national referendum.
The Bill also proposes creating a Prime Minister’s position, similar to recommendations in previous dialogue initiatives, and enhances Senate’s power in vetting state officers.
However, critics argue that these changes primarily serve political interests.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wah dismissed the Bill as a strategy by the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance to retain power, alleging tacit support from President Ruto’s allies.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar distanced the government from the proposal, with Omar labeling it “political mischief.”
