The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has distanced itself from the proposal put forth by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to extend presidential term limits.
If Cherargei’s proposal were to be realized, it would mean that a president could potentially serve for a total of 14 years, consisting of two consecutive 7-year terms.
However, Chapter nine of the Constitution, specifically Article 142, specifies that the President shall hold office for a term beginning on the date of inauguration and ending when the next elected President, in accordance with Article 136 (2) (a), takes office.
In response to Cherargei’s proposal, the UDA issued a statement dated September 25, signed by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, clarifying that the senator’s views did not reflect the stance of the UDA Party or its leader, President William Ruto.
The statement emphasized that President Ruto had sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution, which includes the clear and categorical provision on presidential term limits.
The UDA stated that their primary focus was on fulfilling their promises and that they would, in due course, provide a report of their accomplishments for public evaluation. The party regarded the term limit debate as unnecessary and peripheral.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, another ally of the ruling regime, also expressed opposition to Cherargei’s proposal. He argued that the state should manage its affairs within the established time frame and dismissed the idea of extending presidential term limits.
