UDA Distances Itself From Cherargei’s Proposal on Extension of Presidential Term Limit

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has distanced itself from Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s proposal to extend the presidential term limit.

In a statement, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala said the senator’s views did not reflect the party position nor that of the President.

“The UDA Party respects and upholds the Senator’s personal views but particularly on the referenced subject, those views do not reflect the perspectives of the UDA Party and/or its Party Leader, H.E. the President, William Ruto,” said Malala.

“The President solemnly swore to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution which is abundantly clear and categorical on the Presidential term limit.”

Read: Cherargei’s Presidential Term Limit Extension Proposal is “Absolute Nonsense” – Khalwale

Malala said the ruling party was focused on delivering on its promises to the people “mindful that it shall in due course submit its scorecard for the people to evaluate”.

“Respectfully, therefore, the term limit debate is superfluous and peripheral,” he added.

In a memo delivered to the National Dialogue Committee on Friday, Cherargei suggests changing the law to extend the presidential term to seven years.

He contends that extending the term limit would give the president enough time to carry out their manifesto.

Read: Ruto Plotting to Abolish Presidential Term Limit – Raila

“Whereas the current constitution provides for two term presidential term limit comprising of ten years there is need to increase the same to two terms of seven years each. This enables the president to have good opportunity to form and establish a formidable team to deliver his manifesto,” says Cherargei.

The increment, in the senator’s opinion, would also aid in resolving the country’s electoral problems.

“The Kenya presidential election is always highly profiled as a result of it being conducted within a short period of time thus making it a Do or Die adventure,” he adds.

If Cherargei’s proposal is actualized, it then means that if one is elected president he or she would be in office for 7 years with the possibility of extension by another 7-year term.

Read Also: UDA Rebuffs Fafi MP Yakub’s Removal of Presidential Term Limit Proposal

Chapter nine of the Constitution under Article 142 states that: “The President shall hold office for a term beginning on the date on which the President was sworn in and ending when the person next elected President in accordance with Article 136 (2) (a) is sworn in.”

The constitution only stipulates a five-year term with the possibility of another five-year term, thus, altering the structure of the constitution will require a referendum.