NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has issued a scathing critique of politicians entertaining the idea of a presidential term extension, urging Kenyans to remain steadfast in their constitutional rights.
Kenya’s constitution only allows the President to serve a maximum of two terms of 5 years each.
He was reacting to recent remarks by Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket- who had cautioned that his region knows “how to manufacturer a President of 24 years.”
This was in reference to former President the late Daniel Arap Moi’s term in office.
Sifuna has called out the government of President William Ruto for its apparent inability to handle criticism and its failure to focus on delivering on promises made to the electorate.
“Nobody can stand somewhere and tell us that they will manufacture another President for 24 years. It will not happen,” Sifuna declared.
“This is not 1980. This is not the generation they used to sell fear to.”
Sifuna’s remarks come as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 elections, with speculation and anxiety building over the government’s intentions.
He emphasized the resilience of Kenya’s constitution, urging citizens to trust in its strength as a bulwark against authoritarianism.
“The Kenyans of today understand their constitutional rights. They know for a fact that you cannot impose yourself on Kenyans,” he said, in a pointed rebuke to leaders advocating for term limits to be altered.
Similar calls for term extension have been made by leaders allied to President Ruto.
The senator did not mince words in addressing the government’s response to criticism.
He argued that instead of seeking to curtail freedoms or push unconstitutional agendas, the administration should focus on self-assessment and improving its performance.
“The only way for any elected leader to win re-election is to do the things you promised to do for Kenyans,” Sifuna said. “It is to make the life of Kenyans better.”
Sifuna suggested that the administration’s increasing hostility towards critics was a sign of desperation.
“Now that they understand that it is going to be impossible for them to deliver on any of the promises that would make Kenyans look at them favourably, they are now openly threatening to violate the constitution and the rights of Kenyans and to try and force themselves upon the people,” he added.
With the next general election just three years away, the pressure on the Ruto administration to deliver tangible results is mounting.
