Party of National Unity (PNU) has warned on Kenyans against the proposed Bill to extend term limits for elected leaders terming it a grave mistake.

Speaking yesterday in Muthara in Meru county, PNU’s party leader Peter Munya, who was backed by party members trashed the Bill presented by Nandi County senator Samson Cherarkey saying it is geared towards sabotaging democracy in the country.

Munya accused President William Ruto of secretly using the Nandi senator to extend his term from five to seven years, noting the move is an act of greed, ill-motivated to kill democracy in the county.

National referendum

“We are warning Ruto’s government that their days are numbered because Kenyans have continued to suffer due to high cost of living contributed to by corruption in the country and now they want to extend their power so that Kenyans can continue suffering,” said Munya.

He further accused Members of Parliament of being controlled by greed and personal interest instead of representing and protesting the Constitutional Amendment Bill that Munya warned will cause grave economic crisis if passed.

“Kenya is a democratic country and nobody should try to change the constitution without going for a national referendum,” added Munya, a lawyer and former MP.

The former Meru county governor at the same time noted that citizens have the final say on any such constitutional amendments and not the president.

The party leader also vowed to lead an onslaught against MPs for supporting bad laws and policies spearheaded by the president.

Speaking when he opened party branches across the county, he said the government has continued to oppress the common mwananchi despite promising to alleviate their suffering.

Munya said the MPs have endorsed oppressive motions including the finance bill 2024, impeachment of deputy president Rigathi Gachagua among others without questioning.

Progressive constitution

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposed by Senator Cherarkeyei, aims to revise term limits for all holders of elective offices.

He said that his party will continue to strongly condemn the proposal, saying it does not seek to pursue any meaningful objectives that will benefit common mwanachi.

“The 2010 Constitution heralded Kenya into new democratic governance by introducing progressive constitutional provisions, among them, limited Presidential powers and term limits, a free and fair electoral system, independence of the judiciary, and more importantly, raising the bar on amendment of the Constitution and this what we will continue to safeguard,” he noted.

The party leader claimed that prolonged terms of office to seven years will make elected officials less tolerant and insensitive to their people’s needs and service delivery.