Senate to Present Public Opinion on Presidential Term Extension as ODM and Western Kenya Reject Proposal.
The Senate Justice and Legal Affairs Committee is set to present findings from a public engagement exercise on a proposed bill seeking to extend term limits for the president and other elected leaders. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei introduced the bill, which has stirred strong opposition, particularly from ODM leaders and representatives in Western Kenya.
During the recent public participation event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Kenyans voiced their concerns over the potential shift in term limits. Many echoed a sentiment that leaders should not emulate examples like that of Uganda’s President Museveni. Ayub Savula, Deputy Governor of Kakamega, voiced the collective view, saying, “We don’t want leaders staying in office like Museveni.” Therefore, Savula’s remarks reflect the broader opposition expressed by Western Kenyan leaders and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Senator Cherargei’s proposed bill has generated immense interest, prompting thousands of Kenyans to submit feedback through email, reportedly causing an overload on the submission portal. The JLAC Committee, chaired by Senator Hillary Sigei from Bomet, is expected to compile and present a report on these public submissions, marking an essential step before the bill progresses to a second reading.
Follow us on X: Education Point Kenya.
ODM’s Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna was clear about the party’s position: “As ODM, we will not accept such matters. Leaders will go back to the people, and they will decide.” This opposition reflects ODM’s commitment to keeping power transitions rooted in the will of the people. Similarly, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi reinforced ODM’s stance, asserting, “We are waiting for that report, but we will not support it.”
Furthermore, leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have also voiced disapproval, showing that opposition to the bill transcends party lines.
Read also:
- Senator Osotsi Blames Moi University’s Decline on Tribalism and Political Interference
- TSC to Promote 45,000 Teachers in November, Confirms KUPPET
- Examination Supervisors Warned Against Aiding Cheating
- Kenya Primary Schools Ready for 2024 KPSEA: Final Preparations Complete
As the Senate prepares to release the public feedback report, debates surrounding the proposed term extension intensify. This report will likely play a critical role in determining whether the bill advances. As a result, with major parties like ODM and significant voices from Western Kenya standing against it, the bill faces formidable challenges. Leaders have made it clear that Kenyans should decide the future of their electoral terms.
Senate to Present Public Opinion on Presidential Term Extension as ODM and Western Kenya Reject Proposal.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram