Soy MP Kiplagat: Only people of Kenya can extend term limits of elected leaders
By Luke Oluoch, September 10, 2025Soy Member of Parliament (MP) David Kiplagat has refuted assertions about attempts to alter President William Ruto’s term in office through smuggling in amendments to the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Kiplagat laughed off the assertions, stressing that the matter of presidential term limits could only be altered via a referendum involving the people of Kenya.
Kiplagat categorically stated that the extension can only be done by amending Article 255 of the Constitution. He emphasised that not even the Senate has the purview of achieving the change.
“Only the people of Kenya can amend the term limits through the referendum. It is that clear, and the media must be sensitive to defeat the ongoing propaganda that the Senate is looking to extend the president’s term limit,” he stated.
His remarks follow after the Senate on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, cleared the air over the growing speculation surrounding the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The bill elicited concerns after activist groups claimed that it contained a proposal to extend the terms of the president, MPs, MCAs and governors from five to seven years and create the office of a prime minister appointed by the president, assertions that the senate moved to dispel.
It noted that there was misinformation about the contents of the bill. stressing that claims about extending term limits and creating new executive positions were false.
“The Bill does not amend the articles of the Constitution that deal with term limits for these elective positions,” the statement noted.
Similarly, the Senate dismissed speculation that the Bill would alter the executive structure by introducing the office of a prime minister. The Senate emphasised that the proposed amendments do not create any new executive posts and do not interfere with the existing arrangement.
“The Bill makes no mention of creating the office of a prime minister or any other new position within the executive branch,” the Senate reiterated.
Focus on strengthening devolution
Instead of political restructuring, the Senate explained that the bill was primarily designed to strengthen devolution and reinforce bicameralism within Parliament. The proposals aim to strengthen the Senate by granting it an equal role with the National Assembly in the legislative process.
“The primary objective of the Bill is to strengthen devolution and the role of the Senate,” the statement read.