The presidential term limit would presumably be abolished, according to a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lawmaker, who also noted that the limit should be based on age rather than length of service.
Fafi Member of Parliament, Salah Yakub revealed that some UDA legislators are working on a constitutional amendment bill that would replace the two-term limit with a 75-year age limit.
It is apparent that if the MPs got their way, they would let President William Ruto, seek reelection for four terms, or 20 years.
Although Yakub said that negotiations about the suggestion had taken place behind closed doors, he did not specify which MPs were responsible for it or whether the UDA party hierarchy approved it.
“We want to urge Kenyans that the limit on two terms should be relooked. We want the age requirement modified so that once a person reaches 75 years old, they are no longer eligible to run,” Yakub said while speaking at a food relief drive over the weekend in Garissa county.
“The provision should be based on age restriction rather than terms; thus we will draft an amendment to the bill to try to change it. A president shouldn’t be constrained by the terms if they are performing well,” he continued.
The constitutional change Bill must yet be written by the proposers and sent to Parliament for reviewing.
Following the abolition of section 2A of the previous constitution, the two-term restriction went into effect prior to the 1992 elections.
The presidential term limit was preserved under the 2010 Constitution.
As enshrined in article 142 of the Constitution, the President shall hold office for a term commencing on the day of the President’s inauguration and end on the day of the inauguration of the candidate who will be elected President next.
The text continues by stating that the Head of State may not serve more than two terms in office.
Three months after a contentious presidential election, the timing of such a plan could cause political turbulence.
If the age limit was ever to replace term limits, Ruto would be eligible to run in the elections of 2027, 2032, and 2037 at his current age.
However, a plan of this nature would need to be supported by a simple majority of Kenyans in a referendum as well as two-thirds of both Houses of Parliament.
