Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap has ignited a fierce political storm after suggesting that President William Ruto’s term could be extended beyond the constitutional limit, echoing the era of the late President Daniel arap Moi.
Speaking during a series of political rallies in the Rift Valley, Makilap warned the opposition against mounting a “one-term” campaign to remove Ruto in 2027.
“Hii maneno ya one term muwache kabisa. Don’t tempt us to do what Moi did. Moi had ‘Moi Must Go’ chants and he ruled Kenya for 24 years. What makes you think we cannot amend the law to make Ruto run for 24 years too? Msicheze na sisi,” he said.
The remarks have triggered widespread condemnation, with critics accusing the MP of floating dangerous ideas that threaten Kenya’s democratic foundation and constitutional order. Civil society groups, legal experts, and ordinary Kenyans online warned against testing the integrity of the Constitution for political survival.
President William Ruto, however, appeared to reject any idea of a term extension. Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) during the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day celebrations, Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional limits.
“Terms are limited. You can only serve one term or two terms — maximum. You cannot have more than that. What is this craze about terms?” Ruto asked, dismissing the conversation as a political distraction.
The debate comes amid increasing calls from opposition leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, to vote Ruto out after one term. Ruto fired back, urging his critics to focus on offering alternative policies rather than vague slogans.
“If it is ‘Ruto must go’, then tell me how you want me to go. You can’t replace a plan you don’t like with no plan,” he stated.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki added a sharp security warning, equating political inciters and violent protest organisers to terrorists. He stated that the government will no longer tolerate chaos disguised as dissent.
The issue of term limits has previously surfaced through proposals by Senator Samson Cherargei and UDA MP Salah Yakub — all of which were met with public backlash and rejected by President Ruto himself.
