Veteran media personality Janet Mbugua has voiced her opposition to the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes extending the term limits for elected leaders, including Members of Parliament, governors, and the President, from five years to seven years.
In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the Senate, Mbugua expressed her concerns about the proposed amendments, arguing that the changes would undermine democracy by reducing the frequency of elections, thereby limiting the people’s ability to hold their leaders accountable.
Mbugua emphasized that Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya enshrines the power of the people to exercise their sovereignty through regular, free, and fair elections. She argued that extending the term of office would dilute this principle.
“I am writing to firmly oppose the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to extend the term of office for Members of Parliament, the President, and County Governors from five years to seven years. Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya clearly states that sovereign power belongs to the people, and they exercise this power directly through regular, free, and fair elections,” the letter read in part.
She said that the current duration strikes the right balance between governance and oversight.
“The current five-year term already allows sufficient time for the implementation of policies while ensuring timely accountability.”
Mbugua called on Kenyans to raise their voices against the proposed changes. She urged the public to participate in the ongoing discussions, reminding them that the deadline to submit their views to the Senate is fast approaching.
“The deadline to voice opposition to this threat to our rights and the risks these changes pose to our nation is this Friday, October 25, 2024—just two days away,” Janet Mbugua noted.
The bill
The new Bill introduced in the Senate spearheaded by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei could extend Kenya’s presidential term from five to seven years if passed into law.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, revives a proposal that had been shelved in September last year due to public outcry.
The Bill proposes changes to Article 136 of the Constitution, which would extend the term for the President, as well as other elected officials like Members of Parliament, governors, and senators, from five to seven years.
It also seeks to amend Article 151 by introducing a new clause, 151A, which would create the office of a Prime Minister. This Prime Minister would be selected by the President from among members of Parliament, with the role going to the leader of the largest party or coalition in the legislature.
“The Bill seeks to amend Article 151 by inserting 151A which proposes to create the office of the Prime Minister who shall be appointed by the president from amongst the members of Parliament. The Prime Minister shall be the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties in Parliament.”
