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President Ruto Opposes Bill to Extend Term Limits for Kenyan Leaders

“We must uphold the spirit of the Constitution. Altering term limits is unnecessary and risks destabilizing our democratic principles,” says President William Ruto

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President Ruto
As political tensions escalate, it remains uncertain whether the Senate will respond to the public's concerns and the political pressure exerted by the executive branch and UDA leadership or proceed with the proposed amendments. This ongoing discussion highlights the vulnerability of Kenya's political landscape and the persistent struggle between democratic principles and political strategy. The situation reflects a critical moment in the nation's governance, as stakeholders weigh the implications of altering term limits against the backdrop of Kenya's democratic aspirations

: Kenya’s President William Ruto strongly opposes Senator Cherargei’s proposal to extend term limits for elected officials, advocating for the protection of democracy.

  By Charles Wachira

Kenya’s political landscape has been rocked by President William Ruto’s decisive opposition to a controversial proposal put forth by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to extend term limits for elected officials. 

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2024, introduced in early October, seeks to extend the terms of the president, governors, and members of parliament from five to seven years, while also proposing the creation of a Prime Minister’s office.

Ruto, however, has been resolute in his stance, stating, “We must uphold the spirit of the Constitution. Altering term limits is unnecessary and risks destabilizing our democratic principles.”

 His rejection of the bill aligns with his previous public commitments to protect the integrity of the Constitution and Kenya’s democratic traditions. 

The president urged lawmakers not to support any moves aimed at changing these limits for personal or political benefit.

Nandi Senator Cherargei’s bill proposes amendments to Article 151, which would not only extend presidential and gubernatorial terms but also introduce a new section to establish the office of the Prime Minister, appointed by the president from the largest party or coalition in parliament. 

The senator publicly declared his intention in late September 2024, sparking heated public and political debates.

Commentators and critics have voiced strong opposition to the proposal, with Hassan Omar, Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), describing it as “retrogressive” and “self-serving.” He added that the bill threatens the democratic gains Kenya has made, stating, “This cynical, profoundly misguided bill contravenes the long-held aspirations of the Kenyan people to retire undemocratic entrenchment of unaccountable political monopolies.”

Political analyst Herman Manyora expressed concern, warning, “This bill opens a dangerous precedent that could undermine democracy and accountability.” Economist David Ndii further criticized it, stating, “Such amendments would set the stage for entrenched political power, turning Kenya into an authoritarian state.”

Despite this opposition, the Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights has invited public input on the bill until October 25, 2024, after which a decision will be made on whether it will advance. If passed, the bill would not only extend presidential term limits but also revive a debate on the Prime Minister position—a proposal that resurfaced during Kenya’s recent National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) discussions.

As political tension mounts, it remains to be seen whether the Senate will heed public outcry and political pressure from the executive and UDA leadership or move forward with the proposed amendments. The ongoing debate underscores the fragility of Kenya’s political system and the enduring battle between democratic ideals and political maneuvering.

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Kenyan Man Convicted in U.S. for 9/11-Style Terror Plot

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Cholo Abdi Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

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Mr Cholo Abdi Abdullah (Right in a red T-shirt)moments after being arrested at Rasca Hotel in Iba, Philippines.

: Kenyan man convicted of plotting 9/11-style attack for al-Shabab. Federal jury finds him guilty on all counts; sentencing set for March 2025.

A Kenyan man was convicted on November 4 of plotting a 9/11-style attack on a U.S. building on behalf of the terrorist organisation al-Shabab.

A federal jury in Manhattan, US, found Cholo Abdi Abdullah, 34, guilty on all six counts he faced for conspiring to hijack an aircraft and slam it into a building, according to court records.

He’s due to be sentenced next March and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison.

Abdullah represented himself during the trial, which opened last week. He declined to give an opening statement and did not actively participate in questioning witnesses.

In court papers filed ahead of the trial, prosecutors said Abdullah intended to “merely sit passively during the trial, not oppose the prosecution and whatever the outcome, he would accept the outcome because he does not believe that this is a legitimate system.”

Lawyers appointed to assist Abdullah in his self-defence didn’t respond to an email seeking comment Monday.

Federal prosecutors, who rested their case Thursday, said Abdullah plotted the attack for four years, undergoing extensive training in explosives and how to operate in secret and avoid detection

He then moved to the Philippines in 2017 where he began training as a commercial pilot.

Abdullah was almost finished with his two-year pilot training when he was arrested in 2019 on local charges.

He was transferred the following year to U.S. law enforcement authorities, who charged him with terrorism-related crimes.

Prosecutors said Abdullah also researched how to breach a cockpit door and information “about the tallest building in a major U.S. city” before he was caught.

The State Department in 2008 designated al-Shabab, which means “the youth” in Arabic, as a foreign terrorist organisation. The militant group is an al-Qaida affiliate that has fought to establish an Islamic state in Somalia based on Shariah law.

Keywords: Kenyan man convicted:9/11-style attack plot:al-Shabab terrorism: U.S. federal jury verdict: Terrorism charges

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Ethiopia-Somaliland Deal: Maritime Access and Recognition

Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland could have significant ramifications. Regional powers such as Djibouti, Eritrea, and various Arab states with interests in the Red Sea corridor are approaching this development with caution. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, strongly opposes this move, fearing that Ethiopia’s support may inspire other secessionist movements and undermine its territorial integrity​

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Somaliland president, Muse Bihi Abdi sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, on Monday Janaury 1 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

: Ethiopia signs a historic deal with Somaliland for naval access, becoming the first nation to recognise it as an independent state, stirring regional tensions.

A groundbreaking agreement signed on January 1, 2024, between Somaliland—a self-declared state within Somalia—and Ethiopia could allow Ethiopia access to naval and commercial port facilities on the Red Sea.

 In return, Ethiopia would officially recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, making it the first country globally to do so. 

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa, is anticipated to reshape regional dynamics and has already sparked geopolitical tensions across the Horn of Africa, an area marked by conflict and complex alliances.

For Ethiopia, which is landlocked, the deal offers significant strategic advantages, providing direct access to the Red Sea for the first time since Eritrea’s independence in 1993.

 This access would enhance Ethiopia’s trade routes and bolster its security capabilities in a critical maritime region, reducing its heavy reliance on Djibouti’s port, currently its primary outlet to the sea.

This MoU also marks a significant diplomatic milestone. If it proceeds, Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty would be the first of its kind from any country in Africa or worldwide, potentially setting a precedent that could inspire other countries. 

The official recognition would likely bolster Somaliland’s long-standing bid for international legitimacy; since declaring independence in 1991, it has sought recognition without success, remaining unrecognized under international law.

However, the implications of Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland could be far-reaching. Other regional powers, including Djibouti, Eritrea, and several Arab states with vested interests in the Red Sea corridor, view this development with caution. 

Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its territory, is particularly opposed, fearing that Ethiopia’s endorsement could embolden other secessionist movements and threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity.

 Additionally, regional players worry that this agreement could destabilize the Horn of Africa by challenging existing borders and emboldening separatist sentiments in other areas.

As Ethiopia navigates its next steps in this high-stakes diplomatic and strategic initiative, the deal’s impact on Somalia’s territorial unity, the stability of the Red Sea region, and Ethiopia’s role in regional geopolitics remains to be seen. The international community is watching closely as this landmark agreement unfolds, potentially reshaping alliances and fueling new tensions in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.

Keywords: Ethiopia Somaliland deal: Maritime access: Somaliland recognition: Horn of Africa tensions: Geopolitical implications

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Rwandan YouTuber Rashid Hakuzimana Sentenced to 7 Years

Hakuzimana’s case underscores the persistent sensitivities surrounding the Rwandan genocide, which claimed the lives of around 800,000 people—mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus—within a mere 100 days at the hands of Hutu extremists. Although the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), primarily composed of Tutsis, brought the genocide to an end, it has faced accusations from human rights organizations of carrying out retaliatory killings of Hutus during its rise to power—claims that the RPF-led government staunchly denies.

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In one of his final videos, Rashid Hakuzimana controversially proposed abolishing the annual genocide commemoration, stating, "Hutus wronged the Tutsi, yes, but if you have forgiven someone, you don’t need to remind them every year that ‘you killed my people.’ That is not forgiveness; ‘Kwibuka’ should be scrapped." His remarks underscore the sensitive nature of discussing Rwanda’s past, a legacy that still shapes the nation’s political landscape today.

Rashid Hakuzimana, a Rwandan YouTuber, faces seven years in prison for genocide denial and inciting division, highlighting tensions in post-genocide Rwanda.

Rashid Hakuzimana, a prominent Rwandan YouTuber, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for violating the country’s laws on genocide denial.

 The 56-year-old, who identifies as a Hutu, was arrested in 2021 and has consistently denied all charges against him.

 These charges include inciting ethnic division and spreading false information by claiming that anyone who challenges President Paul Kagame in elections faces imprisonment.

Hakuzimana’s case highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the Rwandan genocide, during which approximately 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed in just 100 days by Hutu extremists. 

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), mainly comprised of Tutsis, ended the genocide but has faced accusations from human rights groups of retaliatory killings of Hutus as they took power—allegations the RPF-led government vehemently denies.

During his trial, the judge cited Hakuzimana’s YouTube remarks as incendiary, particularly his suggestion that genocide orphans received less care than children of senior government officials. 

Such statements, the judge argued, contributed to fueling divisions within Rwandan society. “Your comments are not just opinions; they are divisive and harmful,” the judge stated.

Hakuzimana, who represented himself in court, refused to mount a defense, insisting he be addressed as a politician rather than a YouTuber.

 He expressed frustration over his three years in jail, stating, “I’ve spent enough time behind bars for merely expressing my thoughts on my platform.”

Following the ruling, Hakuzimana will serve four years in prison, as the three years he has already spent in custody will be counted towards his sentence. He was also fined $700 (£500). It remains uncertain if he will appeal the decision.

Human rights organizations have criticized Kagame’s government for allegedly using genocide denial laws to suppress dissent, a claim the government denies.

 In a notable instance from last year, another YouTuber, Yvonne Idamange, had her 15-year sentence extended by two years for inciting violence and spreading false information.

In court, Hakuzimana argued that his criticism of the government on his popular YouTube channel, Rashid TV, was the true reason for his arrest. “My videos were not about denying the genocide; they were about holding the government accountable,” he explained.

Under Rwandan law, it is a criminal offense to deny, downplay, or attempt to justify the genocide. Hakuzimana, who frequently appeared on Ishema TV and his own channel, had previously been warned by the Rwandan Investigation Bureau (RIB) to moderate his rhetoric but did not comply.

 In one of his final videos, he controversially suggested scrapping the annual commemoration of the genocide, stating, “Hutus wronged the Tutsi, yes, but if you have forgiven someone, you don’t need to remind them every year that ‘you killed my people.’ That is not forgiveness; ‘Kwibuka’ should be scrapped off.”

Hakuzimana’s case underscores the complex and delicate nature of discussing Rwanda’s past, a legacy that continues to shape the nation’s political landscape today.

Keywords:Rashid Hakuzimana:Rwandan YouTuber:genocide denial:Paul Kagame:ethnic division

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