KENYA: Kalonzo Claims Kenya Kwanza Plans To Reintroduce Term Limit Extension Bill

     By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has alleged that the Kenya Kwanza administration is preparing to revive discussions on extending presidential term limits through a proposed Bill.

Speaking during a requiem service for Eric Kivuti, son of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, held at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on January 3, 2025, Kalonzo expressed concerns about the move.

He argued that the government intends to revisit the Bill when Parliament reconvenes in February.

The former vice president emphasised that the overwhelming opposition expressed by Kenyans during public consultations on a similar Bill, introduced earlier by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, should serve as a warning against pursuing the matter further.

“99 percent of Kenyans are against the extension of term limits. We have learnt of a plot to reintroduce the Bill after the one sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei was overwhelmingly rejected,” said Kalonzo.

Kalonzo warned that the administration’s push for such legislation contradicts the will of the people, who opposed extending terms for the President, governors, senators, Members of Parliament, and Members of County Assemblies during public participation sessions.

A report presented in November by the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Committee, chaired by Senator Hillary Sigei, recommended that the Bill should be rejected, citing strong opposition from 99 per cent of participants.

Sigei reported that of the 168,801 submissions received, only 11 stakeholders offered specific comments on individual clauses, while the vast majority rejected the proposal entirely.

“99.99 percent of the submissions received, expressed strong opposition to the Bill, either in its entirety, or specifically the clauses relating to extension of terms of the President, Members of Parliament, governors and Members of County Assemblies, from five years to seven years,” said Sigei.

Kalonzo further issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding that a fully functional Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) be in place by March.

He warned that failure to do so could lead to a constitutional crisis ahead of the next general election.

He vowed to mobilise nationwide demonstrations if the commission is not properly constituted by the set deadline.

Meanwhile, Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi urged security agencies to investigate recent cases of abductions across the country, which he said were damaging the administration’s reputation.

“I am calling on Kenyans to give the investigative agencies a chance to unravel what is happening,” said Mundigi.

Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi also addressed the gathering, commending the Anglican Church for highlighting societal challenges.

He condemned forced disappearances, urging authorities to take action against those responsible.

“We are asking the government to address the issue of forced disappearances of our youths for expressing divergent opinions. Those found culpable should be dealt with as per the law,” said Murungi.

The event drew notable leaders and community members who shared their concerns about governance and accountability as the new year begins.