NAIROBI, Kenya — Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei claims that a majority of Kenyans are in favor of his contentious proposal to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.
According to the senator, approximately 60% of Kenyans support the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to increase the term limits for the president and other elected leaders.
The Bill has triggered significant public debate, with the Senate receiving an influx of more than 500,000 emails, reportedly overwhelming its email system due to the sheer volume of responses.
Cherargei, speaking in the Senate on October 29, acknowledged the substantial response but also raised concerns about a personal data privacy breach he alleges has resulted from the Bill’s controversial nature.
“I have received around 20,000 WhatsApp messages, over 12,000 texts, and countless calls – both supportive and critical,” Cherargei stated, emphasizing the need for stronger data protection measures in Kenya. “As we speak, no one is addressing this data privacy issue that I, and potentially other Kenyans, are facing.”
The proposed amendments have stirred mixed reactions across the political landscape.
Critics argue that extending the presidential term risks undermining democratic safeguards, while supporters claim it would provide leaders with more time to implement long-term development projects.
In addition to the presidential term extension, the Bill seeks to extend the terms of Members of Parliament, Senators, Members of County Assembly, and Governors to seven years.
Additionally, the proposal includes the creation of a Prime Minister’s office, to be appointed by the President and held by the leader of the largest party or coalition in Parliament.
Kenya’s current constitution limits the presidency to two five-year terms.
If passed, this Bill would amend Article 136, which pertains to presidential elections, as well as Articles 101, 177, and 180, which govern the terms of MPs, Senators, MCAs, and Governors.
The new section, Article 151(a), would introduce the Prime Minister’s office.
The Bill has garnered both vocal support and criticism from Kenyans and leaders alike, with many awaiting the Senate’s next steps.
Public sentiment remains divided, and the road to any constitutional amendment remains complex, involving rigorous public participation and legislative scrutiny.
According to the senator, approximately 60% of Kenyans support the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to increase the term limits for the president and other elected leaders.
The Bill has triggered significant public debate, with the Senate receiving an influx of more than 500,000 emails, reportedly overwhelming its email system due to the sheer volume of responses.
Cherargei, speaking in the Senate on October 29, acknowledged the substantial response but also raised concerns about a personal data privacy breach he alleges has resulted from the Bill’s controversial nature.
“I have received around 20,000 WhatsApp messages, over 12,000 texts, and countless calls – both supportive and critical,” Cherargei stated, emphasizing the need for stronger data protection measures in Kenya. “As we speak, no one is addressing this data privacy issue that I, and potentially other Kenyans, are facing.”
The proposed amendments have stirred mixed reactions across the political landscape.
Critics argue that extending the presidential term risks undermining democratic safeguards, while supporters claim it would provide leaders with more time to implement long-term development projects.
In addition to the presidential term extension, the Bill seeks to extend the terms of Members of Parliament, Senators, Members of County Assembly, and Governors to seven years.
Additionally, the proposal includes the creation of a Prime Minister’s office, to be appointed by the President and held by the leader of the largest party or coalition in Parliament.
Kenya’s current constitution limits the presidency to two five-year terms.
If passed, this Bill would amend Article 136, which pertains to presidential elections, as well as Articles 101, 177, and 180, which govern the terms of MPs, Senators, MCAs, and Governors.
The new section, Article 151(a), would introduce the Prime Minister’s office.
The Bill has garnered both vocal support and criticism from Kenyans and leaders alike, with many awaiting the Senate’s next steps.
Public sentiment remains divided, and the road to any constitutional amendment remains complex, involving rigorous public participation and legislative scrutiny.
