Kenya braces for a potential political storm as a new bill proposes lengthening the leash on its leaders.
Instead of the usual five-year electoral cycle, Kenyans might soon find themselves casting their ballots every seven years.
This extended honeymoon phase for politicians, championed by Senator Samson Cherargei, a close confidant of President Ruto, has caused a stir.
The collective gasp of the electorate!
Proponents of this bill purr about stability and long-term planning, but critics fear stagnation and a dimmed sense of accountability.
Several leaders have been caught calling for a review of the election years, with the latest being Kenyan billionaire Narendra Naval.
During the commission of his cement factory, Naval suggested that President Ruto should be allowed to taste 25 years of power.
“He loves this country so much that I have no worries about saying thank you to him. May God give him 100 years of life. I wish that we have this president for at least 25 years, hii nchi itabadilika,” the businessman said.
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua too once called for legislation to abolish term limits for both the presidential and gubernatorial offices.
However, President Ruto was seemingly not interested.
“The UDA Party respects and upholds the Senator’s personal views but particularly on the referenced subject, those views do not reflect the perspectives of the UDA Party and/or its party leader, President William Ruto.
“The President solemnly swore to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution which is abundantly clear and categorial on the Presidential term limit,” UDA Statement read
The bill, currently nestled in the Senate’s Justice Committee, waits for its fate to be decided.
Will it be a political panacea or a recipe for voter apathy? Only time, and the Kenyan people, will tell.
