The ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA)has condemned the Bill proposed by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to extend President William Ruto’s presidential limit to seven years.
In an official statement dated 2 October, UDA has distanced itself from the Senator’s plan, terming the attempt as cynical, profoundly misguided, and self-serving going against the democratic rights of Kenyans.
UDA Party Secretary General Hassan Omar condemned the Senator for the move, criticizing it for limiting Kenya’s right to exercise profound leadership.
“It seeks to deny the people regular opportunities to hold leadership to account and directly exercise sovereign power.”
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei at Parliament Buildings.
Photo
Samson Cherargei
The ruling party accused the senator and other Bill sponsors of engaging in “political delinquency” and failing to appreciate the historical importance and institutional necessity of term limits.
“The masterminds and sponsors of the constitutional amendment bill… have not engaged in sufficient reflection about the historical origins, institutional basis, and political necessity of term limits.” reads part of the statement.
President William Ruto echoed the same sentiments holding that he acknowledges Kenya’s long history in clamouring for the constitution.
“UDA remembers the lessons of our nation’s history and honors the long struggle of the people of Kenya for constitutional change,” the statement which the President reshared on his X account read.
“We have made impressive strides in consolidating our institutions, deepening our democracy, protecting our freedoms, and placing our economy on the sustainable path of inclusive prosperity.”
The party has called upon Senator Cherargei and any other leaders sponsoring the Bill to cease the attempt with immediate effect.
“This juvenile political experimentation and delinquent affront to our constitutional values must now crush to a halt!”
Senator Cherargei through his bill seeks to extend term limits for elective office holders, a proposal strongly rejected by his party UDA.
This is not the first time this Bill has been fronted. In September 2023, the Bill was shelved after it elicited uproar among Kenyans.
William Ruto during a meeting with his cabinet on Tuesday, September 17. PHOTO/ President.go.ke
