Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has commented on the ongoing debate about extending the term limits for those in elective positions from five to seven years.
In his statement shared via X, the MP strongly rejected the proposal, asserting that the bill’s motive was to fulfil the selfish interests of greedy leaders, yet Kenyans were struggling to survive the lean times.
Babu questioned why anyone would need an extension yet all manifestos can be fulfilled within the current five-year term limit.
“We must reject any attempt to increase the term limit of Political Leaders to 7 years. What a leader can not do in 5 years will for sure not do in 7 years,” the MP said.
“Say no to greedy leaders who are after their selfish interests yet Kenyans (a) are Overtaxed;
(b)have no jobs, (c)are experiencing high cost of living, (d)can’t afford education, (e)can’t afford medication, (f)are suffering.”
The bill sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherrgei has sparked mixed reactions across various social media platforms with majority of Kenyans calling for it’s dismissal.
As of Friday, Kenyans sent over 200,000 emails to the Senate commenting on the proposal causing a crash on the mail system.
“Thank you for the overwhelming response on The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) (No 2) Bill ,2024. Due to high volumes of submissions, our email system has temporarily experienced issues,” the Senate announced on Friday.
“The Senate received over 200,000 submissions, reaching the maximum capacity of the allocated email addresses. Alternatively, you may send your submissions to; [email protected] We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Consequently, the Senate pushed the deadline for submission of views to today.
“Please be informed that the submission deadline has been extended to tomorrow, the 26th,October 2024, at 5 pm. Send your submissions to; [email protected] [email protected] and [email protected],” the Senate added.
The bill which has been proposed via the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to create a raft of reforms including creating the office of the Prime Minister who will be appointed by the President from among members of the party or coalition of majority parties in Parliament.
It also seeks to assign the responsibility of appointment and removal from office of various state officers to the Senate and National Assembly.
Additionally, the bill also seeks to enhance the percentage of the allocation of resources to county governments from 15 to 40 per cent.
“The bill seeks to amend the Constitution to extend the term of office of a Member of Parliament from five years to seven years, provide for the leadership and the order of precedence in the Senate (and) provide for the origination of any Bill in either House of Parliament, save for a money Bill which may originate only in the National Assembly,” the Senate stated.
“The bill will also provide for the procedure for the consideration of a Division of Revenue Bill and a County Allocation of Revenue Bill by both Houses of Parliament, provide for the procedure for the consideration and approval of an Appropriation Bill and a Supplementary Appropriation Bill by both Houses of Parliament (and) provide clarity regarding the definition of a Money Bill.”
