The public’s reaction to Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s proposal to extend the term of elected officials from five to seven years has been unanimous. Outrage.
This past week, thousands of Kenyans confirmed their opposition to Cherargei’s plan, spamming Parliament’s email with memoranda of their objection during a public participation exercise.
“This Bill is cynical, it is profoundly misguided, it is self-serving, it is repugnant, retrogressive, primitive and backward,” said Wanjira Maina, an advocate who made her presentation at the KICC before the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee.
Her remarks summed up the mood of the nation, largely disgusted by the apparent misplacing of priorities. Many of those who showed up said the focus should be on struggling sectors, such as health and education.
“The Bill seeks to amend Article 136 of the Constitution to increase the term of office of the President from five to seven years and amend Articles 101, 177 and 180 of the Constitution to extend the terms of Governors, Senators, Members of National Assembly and MCAs from five to seven years,” Cherargei said when he moved the Bill.
Kenyans had until Friday to send their memoranda to the Senate, which received more than 200,000 memoranda through its email system, causing it to crash.
“Thank you for the overwhelming response to The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) (No 2) Bill, 2024. Due to the high volume of submissions, our email system has temporarily experienced issues,” the Senate posted on its official X account.
Referendum
The committee is expected to consider the views of Kenyans and write a report supporting or opposing the Bill, with the Senate required to take a vote. Two-thirds of lawmakers are required to pass a constitutional amendment, with legal experts arguing that Cherargei’s proposals will require a referendum.
The Bill proposes the creation of the office of the Prime Minister and grants the Senate the powers to vet cabinet secretaries, among other officers.
Months ago, Cherargei had fronted the extension of the term of office but it died down after his UDA party denounced the extension.
