United Democratic Alliance (UDA) distanced itself from plans to increase the presidential term limit to seven years.
In a statement, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala insisted that they are not associated with the plans at all.
However, Malala insisted that the party respects Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s opinions on the matter.
“Our attention is drawn to various news headlines and media. references to a Memorandum submitted to the Bipartisan Talks team by Senator Samson Cherargei, particularly on his proposal to increase the Presidential term limit to seven years.
The UDA Party respects and upholds the Senator’s personal views but particularly on the referenced subject, those views do not reflect the perspectives of the UDA Party and/or its Party Leader,the President, William Ruto,” the statement read in part.
UDA further indicated that the President was determined to preserve the 2010 promulgated Constitution and deliver on his campaign pledges.
“The President solemnly swore to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution which is abundantly clear and categorical on the Presidential term limit.
The Ruling Party is presently focused on delivering on its promises to the People of Kenya, mindful that it shall in due course submit its scorecard for the people to evaluate. In doing so, we are guided by the timeline to the next general election,” Malala made it clear.
According to Cherargei, five years in office is not sufficient for the running of government and forming a formidable team to implement the election manifesto.
If Cherargei’s proposal is actualized it then means that if one is elected president he or she would be in office for 7 years with the possibility of extension by another 7-year term.
Chapter nine of the Constitution under Article 142 says: “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.”
The constitution only stipulates a five-year term with the possibility of another five-year term, thus, altering the structure of the constitution will require a referendum.
