Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged President William Ruto to reject the proposed extension of presidential and other elected leaders’ term limits in office.

In a statement shared on his X official account on Sunday, November 10, 2024, Kalonzo stated that by agreeing and introducing the term extension bill he (Ruto) would be making a bigger mistake for the country.

“Mr Ruto, do not make the mistake of bringing that seven-year Presidential term limit to us. Drop it like a hot potato if you love your country,” the Wiper party leader urged Ruto.

He went on to suggest that if the head of state introduces such a bill it should be shortened from the current five years to four.

“If you introduce such a Bill, it should be to shorten the duration to four years. Kenyans are tired,” Kalonzo wrote.

Kalonzo, in addition, stated categorically that as leaders from the opposition party, their fight is against impunity and liberating the country and that they should not be mistaken as noisemakers.

“We are not noisemakers. We are the true and loyal People’s Opposition in this country,” Kalonzo said.

Term extension Bill

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Senator Cherargei, is now set for introduction in the Senate for first reading.

The Bill proposes an increase in the term of service for the President, Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of County Assembly (MCAs), and governors to seven years.

The bill also creates the office of the Prime Minister, similar to the proposals in the National Dialogue Committee and the Building Bridges Initiative reports

It states that the president shall appoint the Prime Minister from among the members of Parliament.

It further seeks to enhance the powers of the Senate by giving it the exclusive mandate to vet some state officers.

The bill seeks to specifically amend Articles 152, 156, 157, 166, 215, 228, 229, 245, and 250 of the Constitution to assign the responsibility of approval for the appointment of various state officers between the Senate and the National Assembly.