Clergy warns against proposal to increase presidential term to 7 years, says Bill needs referendum

The clergy have warned against the proposed bill on presidential term limits.

The bill by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei seeks to increase the term of all political elective positions from five years to seven years for two terms.

Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit says any attempts to alter the structure of the constitution will require a referendum.

Kenyans have until Friday to submit their memoranda on the proposed bill now at the Senate, which has generated uproar in the public.

In the bill, the president's term is reviewed upwards from the current five years to seven years per term. A president who will be re-elected into office will serve a total of 14 years.

The bill also seeks to review upwards the term limits of members of the National Assembly, Senators, Woman Representatives, Governors, and Members of the County Assemblies.

Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has termed the debate on term limits as one that requires constitutional guidance, adding that it will require Kenyans to go to a referendum.

“Our constitution says it is five years per term. Any change, Kenyans will have to go to a referendum,” said Sapit.

In his proposal, Senator Samson Cherargei says his bill is aimed at giving more time to an elected president – as well as other elected officials – to deliver on development projects.

The Nandi senator says seven years will enable the president to have a good opportunity to deliver his manifesto. Cherargei argues that, given persistent presidential election disputes and subsequent court battles, it takes at least two years for the elected president to settle down.

But his Kiambu counterpart, Karungo wa Thang'wa, who presented his memorandum to the Senate Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, says he is of a different view. He instead proposes a reduction in the term limits of elective offices.

“I have sent my proposals to have the term reduced from five years to four years. This is to ensure accountability of leaders,” said Thangwa.

Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wa has laughed off the proposed increase of term limits, saying the bill is dead on arrival.

Kenyans have until Friday to submit their memoranda to the Senate.