Saboti Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi has expressed his disapproval of a proposal seeking to have the term limit of elected leaders moved to seven years from the current five.
Taking to his official X account on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Amisi faulted the sponsor behind the controversial bill seeking to make changes to the term limits, stating that the proposed amendment is unreasonable.
According to the lawmaker, the problems currently being faced in the country cannot be solved by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s bill.
He argues that to be on the right track as a country, Kenya needs a team of young progressive leaders to be in charge, adding that most of the current leaders are entitled and have grown complacent.
“It is absurd for an elected leader to even imagine that the problems bedevilling this country can only be cured through prolonged terms in office. We need a team of young, progressive leaders to change this country. Most leaders have grown complacent and much entitled,” Amisi said.
It is absurd for an elected leader to even imagine that the problems bedevilling this country can only be cured through prolonged terms in office . We need a team of young, progressive leaders to change this country. Most leaders have grown complacent and much entitled.
— Hon. Caleb Amisi, MP (@Honcalebamisi) October 24, 2024
Public wiews
Kenyans have until Friday, October 25, 2024, to submit their views on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to extend the term limits.
In a notice to the public, Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye also announced that the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights, which is considering the bill, will conduct a public hearing to consider the amendments on the same day.
Cherargei’s 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 the 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.
