Kenya’s governing coalition senator’s proposal to increase the presidential term limit from the existing five to seven years has sparked strong reactions across the nation.
President William Ruto, who has only been in power for approximately a year, may not have enough time to deliver his campaign platform, according to Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
The opposition has accused the government of attempting to eliminate presidential term limits, which has infuriated a segment of Kenyans.
“On the contrary, it should be reduced to four years one term each for the next six elections. This is the only sure way to bring national cohesion and to prevent vested interests from entrenching themselves, thus allowing constitutionalism to be fully established,” an X user posted.
“If any leader cannot deliver in a period of 10 years, what is the need for adding four more?” another user wondered.
A proposal to abolish presidential term limits in the nation was made by a different UDA lawmaker in November of last year, but President Ruto rejected it.
In Kenya, the presidential term limit is established at two, and any modification would need to be approved by referendum.