Muthama: We shouldn't entertain idea of tampering with Constitution

 

Leaders have continued to react to the proposal fronted by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei seeking to extend the presidential term limit from the current five to seven years.

Former Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama on Monday stated that Cherargei's suggestions remain null and void.

Through a statement shared on his social handles, he explained that both Kenyans and drafters of the 2010 Constitution didn't envisage the aspect of extending the presidential term limit.

"Kenyans are comfortable with the current arrangement whereby a President can only serve for a period of a 10-year two-term, therefore, as a country we shouldn't entertain the idea of tampering with our Constitution based on a person's opinion," he added.

The former UDA chairman emphasised that the Kenya Kwanza administration respects the rule of law and the Constitution.

" That is why I stand by President William Ruto and the UDA Party in disassociating with Senator Cherargey's proposal," he added.

Cherargei in a memorandum submitted to the National Dialogue Committee at Bomas of Kenya on Friday, proposed the extension of the presidential term limit from the current five to seven years.

The proposal has caused an uproar, with many opposed to it.

According to Senator Cherargei, five years in office is not sufficient for the running of government.

The Senator is part of President William Ruto's party UDA which distanced itself from the proposal.

In a statement on Monday, Secretary-General Cleophas Malala said the proposal by the senator is not the position of the party or that of the President.

He said Ruto swore to abide by and protect the Constitution, which spells out the presidential term limit. 

However, the 2010 Constitution is very clear on mechanisms for amending certain fundamental provisions, including the term limit for the president.

Article 142(1) provides that the President shall hold office for a term beginning on the date on which the President was sworn in, and ending when the person next elected President in accordance with Article 136 (2) (a) is sworn in.

Article 142(2) provides that a person shall not hold office as President for more than two terms.

A proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be enacted in accordance with Article 256 or 257, and approved by a referendum if the amendment relates to the term of the President.

A proposed amendment shall be approved by a referendum if at least twenty percent of the registered voters in each of at least half of the counties vote in the referendum.   BY THE STAR