NAIROBI, Kenya – Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to abandon his controversial proposal to extend the terms of elected leaders from five to seven years, describing the bill as an affront to democratic principles and a “bribe” to politicians.
Addressing congregants at the PCEA Umoja Church on Sunday, Kalonzo criticized the proposal, saying it has triggered widespread backlash from Kenyans and resistance among leaders from various political camps.
“Kenyans are not interested in a constitutional amendment to extend leaders’ terms,” Kalonzo said. “Kenya Kwanza should avoid the mistake of attempting to change the Constitution for the benefit of a few. In fact, we should consider shortening leadership terms, not extending them.”
Kalonzo suggested that Kenya should adopt leadership terms like those of countries where presidents serve four years and “achieve significant progress.”
Referring to Senator Cherargei, he urged, “Drop that bill like a hot potato if you genuinely care about the country.”
The proposal has provoked strong public opposition. According to parliamentary sources, Kenyans flooded the Senate’s email system with over 240,000 messages, briefly overwhelming its servers.
Observers say the response is among the largest on record for a bill, surpassing even the uproar against the Finance Bill, 2024, which had sparked protests nationwide.
Senator Cherargei, however, maintains that his bill has gained substantial support.
In an address to the Senate on October 29, he claimed that 500,000 messages have been received, with 60 percent allegedly backing the bill.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to amend Article 136, which currently limits the president’s term to two five-year terms, and extend it to seven years.
The bill also proposes amendments to sections 101, 177, and 180, potentially allowing members of Parliament, Senators, Governors, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to serve for seven years.
Additionally, it aims to introduce the office of Prime Minister, appointed by the President from within Parliament.
Cherargei has reported a surge in messages and calls from citizens regarding the bill, expressing concern over privacy issues.
Addressing congregants at the PCEA Umoja Church on Sunday, Kalonzo criticized the proposal, saying it has triggered widespread backlash from Kenyans and resistance among leaders from various political camps.
“Kenyans are not interested in a constitutional amendment to extend leaders’ terms,” Kalonzo said. “Kenya Kwanza should avoid the mistake of attempting to change the Constitution for the benefit of a few. In fact, we should consider shortening leadership terms, not extending them.”
Kalonzo suggested that Kenya should adopt leadership terms like those of countries where presidents serve four years and “achieve significant progress.”
Referring to Senator Cherargei, he urged, “Drop that bill like a hot potato if you genuinely care about the country.”
The proposal has provoked strong public opposition. According to parliamentary sources, Kenyans flooded the Senate’s email system with over 240,000 messages, briefly overwhelming its servers.
Observers say the response is among the largest on record for a bill, surpassing even the uproar against the Finance Bill, 2024, which had sparked protests nationwide.
Senator Cherargei, however, maintains that his bill has gained substantial support.
In an address to the Senate on October 29, he claimed that 500,000 messages have been received, with 60 percent allegedly backing the bill.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to amend Article 136, which currently limits the president’s term to two five-year terms, and extend it to seven years.
The bill also proposes amendments to sections 101, 177, and 180, potentially allowing members of Parliament, Senators, Governors, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to serve for seven years.
Additionally, it aims to introduce the office of Prime Minister, appointed by the President from within Parliament.
Cherargei has reported a surge in messages and calls from citizens regarding the bill, expressing concern over privacy issues.
