ICJ opposes proposal to extend term limits for elected leaders » Capital News

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 26 – The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has opposed the proposed extension of presidential term limit and other elective seats saying its a ploy to serve selfish interests of politicians.

ICJ Kenya chapter chairman Protas Saende said the proposed amendments will weaken the existing governance framework adding its unjustified for politicians to wield power under the pretence of reforms.

“The political temperature, though rising, has yet to reach a boiling point and if our leaders continue down this path of self-serving legislation, they are pouring fuel on a smouldering fire,” Saende stated.

The bill by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei seeks to extend the terms in office for the president, county governors and MPs from five to seven years, among other constitutional amendments.

At the close of public participation on Friday,the email address for public participation crushed as 240,000 Kenyans sent their memorandum reaching the maximum capacity.

Tens of others making verbal submissions during the public participation forum at KICC in Nairobi.

The ICJ Chairman implored the lawmakers to focus their efforts on serious issues bediviling Kenyans including the high cost of living, crisis in the health sector and openess in the private-public partnerships contracts.

“The Gen Z protests provided a resounding reminder that the people of Kenya are watching, and they are unafraid to raise their voices,” Saende said.

Saende argued that the proposal in Cherargei’s bill threaten to erode the foundation of democracy terming the same as an assault on Kenya’s democratic safeguards.

He pointed out the African Union, European Union and the United Nations have condemned similar attempts in other nations.

Insisting that Kenya risks joining countries like Burundi suffering sanctions and aid restrictions thus losing its reputation and diplomatic standing.

“We, therefore, urge the political class to exercise restraint and wisdom. Power is entrusted to them not as a means to fulfil personal desires but as a covenant with the people,”Saende emphasized.

Saende questioned why the legislators have failed to focus on more pressing issues like reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) despite timelines on delimitation of electoral boundaries having lapsed.

“This constitutional crisis is one of genuine concern as the continued delay (in setting up the IEBC) threatens to compromise the integrity of Kenya’s democratic processes. If our elected representatives must legislate, let them address the IEBC crisis and the boundaries delimitation to avoid further disenfranchisement of Kenyans,”he remarked.

The controversial Bill also proposes the creation of the office of the Prime Minister that will be appointed by the president similar to the proposal made in the National Dialogue Committee and the Building Bridges Initiative reports.

“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,” the bill reads in part.

The Bill also proposes to involve the Senate in approving the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces in any part of the country. Currently, the law states that the executive must seek the approval of the National Assembly.

The Bill also proposes an amendment to Article 181 of the constitution that provides for the procedure for removal from office of a county governor from office or a deputy governor so as to have a decision to impeach a Governor being challenged only at the Supreme Court.

About The Author