Mutahi Ngunyi backs Cherargei’s proposal to extend presidential term limit

Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi now claims that Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s proposal to extend the presidential term limit is valid.

In a statement shared via his official X account (formerly Twitter) Ngunyi backed Cherargei’s proposal noting that it would provide more time for President William Ruto to fully deliver to Kenyans.

While making a comparison to former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki, Ngunyi noted that Ruto would also be able to bring economic changes if granted more time.

“Senator Cherargei is not without a point. Imagine if Uhuru or Kibaki were in OFFICE for 14 years each? And if Ruto is in office for 14 years till 2036? Change is the only constant thing in the world. Everything else changes. Ten years is too short to bring about change. Or is It?” he posed.

Earlier, Cherargei had come under sharp criticism from a section of Kenyans and members of the opposition over his proposal that seeks to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.

Senator Cherargei is NOT without a POINT. Imagine if Uhuru or Kibaki were in OFFICE for 14 years each? And if Ruto is in office for 14 years till 2036? Change is the ONLY constant thing in the WORLD. Everything else CHANGES.Ten years is too SHORT to bring about CHANGE. Or is It?

— Mutahi Ngunyi (@MutahiNgunyi) September 27, 2023

The senator while addressing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) proposed that the presidential limit should be extended in order to give the president more time to deliver his manifesto to Kenyans.

“Increase the presidential term to seven years: Whereas the current Constitution provides for a two-term presidential term limit comprising ten years there is a need to increase the same to two terms of seven years each,” he stated.

‘Besides, the Kenyan presidential election is always highly profiled as a result of it being conducted within a short period of time, thus making it a do-or-die adventure,’ the senator added.

His proposal was met with backlash even from the president’s party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) which distanced itself from Cherargei’s proposal.

“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 party stated.

“The President solemnly swore to respect and uphold and defend the constitution which is abundantly clear and categorical on the Presidential term limit.”