Kenyans were recently invited to submit their views on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024 sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei. The bill proposes a controversial and deeply unpopular extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, arguing that a longer term will give the President more time to fulfill his manifesto, particularly in light of electoral disputes and contested results.
In a move that can only be described as political audacity, Cherargei also introduces the position of Prime Minister, to be appointed by the President, with all the trappings of a potential power grab. It is a proposal wrapped in the veneer of “reform,” yet under the surface lies a disturbing attempt to cement political control in a manner that undermines Kenya’s democratic values.
A Misguided Proposal with Sinister Implications
The idea of extending presidential terms is not just impractical; it is an insult to the very principles of democracy that Kenyans fought so hard to achieve. Cherargei’s argument—that a longer term will provide the President with more time to implement policies—ignores the fundamental fact that term limits exist to prevent any individual from monopolizing power. His proposal is a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy in Africa, where many leaders have manipulated term limits to maintain power indefinitely, often at the expense of the people’s will.
Take Uganda, where President Museveni, after decades in power, removed age and term limits to extend his rule; or Rwanda, where a referendum allowed Paul Kagame to extend his presidency until 2034. The lengths to which some African leaders have gone to retain power serve as grim cautionary tales. Extending presidential terms under the guise of “good governance” is a dangerous and familiar tactic, one that could allow Kenya to slip down a perilous path.
Cherargei’s proposal represents the worst kind of political opportunism—a move designed not to improve governance, but to extend political influence. His call for a seven-year term is rooted not in the needs of the Kenyan people, but in the interests of a political elite that seems more concerned with staying in power than addressing the real issues that affect ordinary Kenyans.
Kenyans Are Not Fooled
The public response to this proposal has been overwhelmingly negative, and rightly so. Across the country, Kenyans from all walks of life have rejected the idea of extending the presidential term. The mood is palpable: the people do not want a system that allows one individual to hold power longer than necessary. They have lived through years of political manipulation, and they know all too well the dangers of unchecked power.
Cherargei’s persistent push for the bill in the face of overwhelming public discontent can only suggest one thing: that he is not acting in the public’s best interest. Instead, he is pushing a narrow, self-serving agenda, one that seeks to undermine the democratic gains that Kenyans have worked so hard to achieve. There is something far more sinister at play here—a veiled attempt to entrench political control by those already in power. The extension of presidential terms is merely the latest tool in this insidious effort.
A Distraction from the Real Issues
This proposed change in term limits must also be viewed in the broader context of Kenya’s political crisis. It is no coincidence that as Kenyans grapple with corruption, poor healthcare, failing education systems, unemployment, and the lack of basic infrastructure, politicians are once again playing political games. This proposal is a deliberate attempt to distract the public from the real issues at hand.
Instead of focusing on reforms that will improve governance, reduce corruption, and address the concerns of everyday Kenyans, our leaders are engaging in political sideshows. Cherargei’s bill is not about the future of the nation; it is about a political class that is increasingly out of touch with the needs of the people.
Kenyans have seen enough of political games. They understand that term limits are not just a safeguard for democracy; they are a critical component of governance that ensures regular leadership changes, fresh ideas, and accountability. Allowing any individual to hold power for longer than is constitutionally mandated opens the door to authoritarianism. It risks transforming our democracy into a political dynasty, where power is passed on not by merit, but by political calculation.
The Broader Context: A Global Movement Against Career Politics
Cherargei’s proposal must also be seen in the context of a global movement against career politicians. In the United States, voters in several states have overwhelmingly supported term limits for members of Congress, rejecting the idea of career politicians who grow increasingly disconnected from the needs of their constituents. Similarly, across Africa, the call for term limits has gained traction as citizens demand political accountability and leadership change.
In Kenya, the push for longer terms is not just about preserving democracy; it is a direct assault on the spirit of the Constitution, which was designed to empower the people, not the political elite. We cannot allow this to pass without a fight. The people of Kenya must see this bill for what it is—a dangerous distraction designed to weaken democracy and perpetuate the control of a few.
A Call to Action: Reject the Proposal and Demand Accountability
Now is the time for Kenyans to stand firm and reject any attempt to erode the democratic gains that have been made since the reform era. Cherargei’s bill is not just about term limits—it is about power, influence, and control. It is an affront to the will of the people and a step backwards in Kenya’s quest for genuine democracy.
Let this be a reminder to our leaders: the people are watching. Kenyans are not fooled by political games or manipulative proposals. They want leadership that prioritizes their needs, not their leaders’ thirst for power.
It is time to put an end to this political folly and return the focus to the issues that truly matter—governance, corruption, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. It is time to demand that those who are elected to serve the people do so with integrity, accountability, and respect for the Constitution.
This proposal must be rejected, and the people of Kenya must hold their leaders accountable for their actions. Kenya deserves better.
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