UDA distances itself from Cherargei’s proposal to increase Presidential term limit
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has distanced itself from Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei's proposal to increase the Presidential term limit from the current five years to seven years.
In a statement on Monday, September 25, 2023, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malalah the party was guided by the Constitution and the current election cycle.
"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, H.E. the President, William Ruto. The President solemnly swore to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution which is abundantly clear and categorical on the Presidential term limit," Malala stated.
"The Ruling Party is presently focused on delivering on its promises to the People of Kenya, mindful that it shall in due course submit its scorecard for the people to evaluate. In doing so, we are guided by the timeline to the next general election. This is why, for the past few months, the UDA party has published a timeline portal for all its electoral activities. Respectfully, therefore, the term limit debate is superfluous and peripheral."
Cherargei's proposal
In a memorandum submitted to the National Dialogue Committee on Friday, September 22, Cherargei proposes an amendment to the current law that restricts the presidential term limit to 2-five 5-year terms to seven years in each term.
This, Senator Cherargei argues, would give the president sufficient time to implement their manifesto.
"Whereas the current constitution provides for two term presidential term limit comprising of ten years there is need to increase the same to two terms of seven years each. This enables the president to have good opportunity to form and establish a formidable team to deliver his manifesto," the memorandum seen by People Daily Digital reads in part.
According to the senator, the increment would also help address the country's perennial electoral challenges.
