Cherargei’s Bill for Kenya Presidential Term Extension Faces UDA Backlash

:Senator Samson Cherargei, a key figure in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and a close ally of President Ruto, contends that the current five-year presidential term is inadequate for fully implementing a leader’s agenda, particularly given the electoral disputes that frequently disrupt governance stability.

 By Charles Wachira

Senator Samson Cherargei of Kenya is proposing a  bill, aimed at extending the presidential term from five to seven years and the idea has ignited controversy, with critics alleging it’s a ploy to prolong President William Ruto’s rule.

 Cherargei, a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) closely aligned with Ruto, argues that the current five-year term isn’t sufficient for presidents to effectively implement their agendas, especially considering electoral disputes that often delay governance stability.

“Seven years will provide ample time for a president to deliver on their manifesto,” Cherargei defended during the bill’s Senate reading. He emphasized that frequent elections disrupt long-term development projects crucial for national growth.

This isn’t Cherargei’s first attempt at such reforms.

 Similar proposals were previously rejected by the public through the National Dialogue Committee co-led by Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2023. Now reintroduced, the bill also seeks to extend terms for MPs and governors to seven years and introduces the role of a prime minister appointed by the president.

Francis Chege from the former ruling Jubilee Party views the bill as a maneuver to benefit the political elite rather than the public interest.

 “These proposals favour the political class and not the people,” Chege criticized.Adding that the move is “a plot to extend Ruto’s rule,” saying that the government may be “testing the waters” through such proposals to gauge public reaction. “This is about power consolidation, not the people,” Chege added, echoing the views of many who see the proposal as a threat to democratic accountability.

In contrast, Eugene Otieno, a history teacher, supports the concept but advocates for a single seven-year term to reduce political motivations.

 “A single term would make the presidency less about re-election and more about governance,” Otieno suggested, stressing the need for extensive public consultation on such constitutional changes.

. “A single term will make the presidency less attractive for those looking to stay in power for personal gain,” Otieno said. He believes that a one-term presidency could allow a leader to focus on governance without being distracted by re-election campaigns, but insists on thorough public consultations before any changes are made.

Many Kenyans have expressed strong opposition to the bill, fearing it could undermine the country’s democratic principles.

 Social media platforms and local talk shows have seen an outpouring of criticism, with citizens arguing that extending terms would likely lead to complacency, weakened checks on government performance, and potentially a rollback of democratic gains achieved over the past two decades. 

A common refrain among opponents is that Kenyan politicians are trying to “change the rules of the game” to suit their own interests once in power.

At the grassroots level, many Kenyans are also frustrated with the slow pace of governance, which they attribute more to political inefficiency and corruption than the length of the president’s term.

 Extending the term to seven years is seen by some as a distraction from addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and the high cost of living.

Political analysts like Carol Situma argue that the timing of the proposal is highly suspect, especially given the economic challenges Kenya is facing. 

Situma calls it “a diversionary tactic” designed to shift public attention away from more pressing issues, such as rising public debt, ongoing disputes over privatization deals, and unfulfilled promises by the Ruto administration.

Overall, public sentiment reflects a deep skepticism of the bill. Many citizens view it as an unpopular attempt to manipulate the constitution for political gain, and the likelihood of widespread public protests or backlash is high if the proposal gains traction in Parliament. Moreover, the memory of Kenya’s long struggle for constitutional reform and democracy makes many wary of an

The timing and intent behind Cherargei’s bill have sparked skepticism among analysts.

 When reached for comment, UDA officials remained inaccessible. However, in previous statements, the party has distanced itself from Cherargei’s proposals, asserting their commitment to the existing constitutional framework.

“The UDA respects differing opinions, but these views do not reflect our party’s stance or that of our leader, President William Ruto,” a UDA spokesperson clarified in response to earlier similar attempts by Cherargei.

As the bill undergoes committee scrutiny in the Senate, its fate hinges on public feedback and legislative debate, with significant implications for Kenya’s political landscape if passed.

What’s Ruto’s position?

President Ruto has so far remained officially non-committal on the bill However, through his party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Ruto has distanced himself from previous attempts by Cherargei to amend the constitution for similar reasons. 

In 2023, Cleophas Malala, then Secretary General of UDA, made it clear that the party did not endorse such proposals. Malala emphasized that any changes to the presidential term would require a referendum, adding that President Ruto was committed to upholding the current five-year term limit as enshrined in the constitution.

“The president remains focused on delivering his development agenda within the mandate given by the people of Kenya, and he has no intention of pushing for constitutional amendments to extend his term,” Malala said at the time, addressing concerns that Cherargei’s proposal might represent the party’s position.

While Ruto has not publicly commented on Cherargei’s latest bill, the official stance of the UDA suggests the president is wary of being associated with proposals that may be seen as attempts to prolong his rule. Ruto has previously emphasized his commitment to constitutionalism and respecting democratic institutions, which include adhering to the two-term limit for the presidency.

If the bill passes, it could create a political storm. Extending the presidential term might embolden Ruto’s critics, who could accuse him of trying to entrench himself in power.

 It could also lead to widespread public opposition, similar to the backlash against earlier attempts at constitutional changes.

 Additionally, the introduction of a prime ministerial position could reshape Kenya’s governance structure and centralize more power within the presidency, potentially heightening tensions between the executive and other political forces.

For now, the bill is seen as Cherargei’s initiative, but its progress will undoubtedly place Ruto in a delicate position. He may be forced to publicly clarify his position if pressure mounts, especially as public consultations and Senate debates unfold.

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What do experts say?

Experts have weighed in on Senator Cherargei’s proposal to extend the presidential term from five to seven years, and their views reflect a deep concern over the potential impact on Kenya’s democratic system.

 Political analysts, constitutional scholars, and governance experts generally see the move as a threat to Kenya’s democratic principles and a shift toward consolidating power, rather than a genuine attempt to improve governance.

1. Threat to Democratic Gains: Many experts argue that extending the presidential term would undermine the democratic progress Kenya has made since the introduction of the 2010 Constitution, which set clear limits on presidential power. Constitutional law expert Dr. Duncan Ojwang highlights that term limits are designed to prevent the concentration of power and ensure regular, peaceful transitions of authority. “Term limits are essential for democracy. Extending the presidential term sets a dangerous precedent that could erode Kenya’s democratic culture,” he explained. According to Ojwang, removing or altering these limits could encourage future leaders to manipulate the system in their favor.
2. Power Consolidation Fears: Several analysts, including political scientist Dr. Peter Kagwanja, see Cherargei’s bill as a veiled attempt to consolidate power within the ruling party, potentially making it harder for opposition forces to compete in elections. Kagwanja argues that the introduction of a prime ministerial position in the bill could give the president more control over Parliament, which could weaken checks and balances in government. “The proposal, especially with the prime minister’s office, centralizes power within the executive, raising the risk of an autocratic system,” he stated.
3. A Diversion from Real Issues: Some analysts, such as Carol Situma, view the proposal as a political distraction. Situma describes the timing of the bill as suspicious, given that Kenya is currently grappling with major economic challenges, including inflation and high public debt. “This is a diversionary tactic by the ruling party to shift attention away from the real issues affecting Kenyans,” Situma observed. She adds that instead of focusing on electoral reforms, the government should prioritize addressing urgent concerns like unemployment, poverty, and governance inefficiencies. “The conversation should be about delivery of services, not extending terms.”
4. Governance Impact: Experts in governance, such as Professor Macharia Munene, believe that extending the term limit may not necessarily result in better governance or development outcomes. He points out that five years is a reasonable period for a president to lay the groundwork for major projects, and if progress is slow, it often reflects poor management rather than insufficient time. “It’s not the length of the term that determines success, but the effectiveness of leadership and implementation,” Munene said. He also raised concerns that longer terms could encourage complacency among elected officials, reducing the urgency to deliver on campaign promises.
5. Political Instability Risks: Constitutional lawyer Dr. Linda Musumba warns that changing the presidential term limit could spark political instability and lead to protests, as it might be seen as undermining the will of the people. “Attempts to alter key constitutional provisions without broad public support could lead to a political crisis,” Musumba cautioned. She emphasized that the Kenyan public is highly sensitive to any moves that could be interpreted as power grabs, particularly given the history of contested elections and street protests.
6. Public Participation and Referendum: Experts across the board agree that any attempt to amend the Constitution, especially regarding presidential terms, must involve extensive public participation and likely a referendum. Dr. Samuel Nyikal, a constitutional scholar, emphasized that constitutional amendments of this magnitude cannot be left to Parliament alone. “These are issues that directly affect the people, and they must have a say. A referendum would be the legitimate way to resolve such matters,” Nyikal stated, echoing sentiments expressed by many civil society groups and legal experts.

In summary, experts overwhelmingly caution against extending the presidential term, citing risks to democratic principles, political stability, and governance quality. They recommend that the government focus on addressing Kenya’s pressing socio-economic issues rather than pursuing controversial constitutional amendment

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