Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has faulted Catholic Church bishops over their sentiments on a bill that was proposing the extension of term limits for elected leaders.

This comes moments after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) accused the government of rampant greed and unethical behaviour. 

“We are troubled by politicians’ heightened insensitivity and irresponsibility in their duties, allowing themselves to be compromised in corrupt deals. The massive greed we’re witnessing is shocking and heartbreaking,” they stated.

“There are plans to rush the bill through legislation. A two-term limit of 10 years is adequate, we should scrutinize this political move.”

In response, Cheruiyot said the bill was fronted by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei in a private capacity and not under the UDA banner.

“My attention has been drawn to the statement issued by Catholic Church Bishops alleging that a constitutional amendment bill is being considered and rushed through parliament. The bill in question was presented by the Senator of Nandi, Hon. Samson Cherargei, himself a devout Catholic faithful.
For the record this was a privately sponsored bill,” Cheruiyot stated.

“The Majority Party UDA dissociated itself with it and urged its members not to support it. The Bill was also roundly rejected in the public participation that was carried out by the Senate.”

Cheruiyot, who is the Senate Majority Leader, says the bill was unanimously rejected by the Senate Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs On October 31, 2024.

“The Clergy must avoid being purveyors of propaganda, fake news, and falsehoods. I urge the Church to avoid being roped into a scheme to destroy our institutions by scandalizing them with misinformation, a practice ripe in our social media spaces,” he added.

“It is unfortunate that religious leaders are resorting to sweeping generalities. If they have an issue with an individual leader, they should seek redress through the relevant constitutional agencies instead of condemning the entire legislature.”