The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has rejected a proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill introduced by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, which seeks to extend the current presidential term limit to seven years.
In a statement, UDA Party Secretary General Hassan Omar described the Bill as a "cynical, profoundly misguided and self-serving" initiative that threatens the democratic principles hard-fought for by the Kenyan people.
In the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Senator Cherargei seeks to extend term limits for holders of elective offices, a proposal his party, UDA, firmly rejected.
"Of grave concern is that this cynical, profoundly misguided and self-serving Bill contravenes a long-held aspiration of the people of Kenya to retire the undemocratic entrenchment of unaccountable political monopolies.”
"It seeks to deny the people regular opportunities to hold leadership to account and directly exercise sovereign power,” reads the statement.
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UDA further criticized the bill’s sponsors, accusing them of engaging in "political delinquency" and failing to appreciate the historical importance and institutional necessity of term limits.
"The masterminds and sponsors of the constitutional amendment bill... have not engaged in sufficient reflection with regard to the historical origins, institutional basis, and political necessity of term limits."
Omar stressed that the UDA party honors the legacy of Kenya's struggle for constitutional change, culminating in a progressive, democratic, and inclusive constitutional dispensation.
"UDA remembers the lessons of our nation's history and honors the long struggle of the people of Kenya for constitutional change," the statement continued. "We have made impressive strides in consolidating our institutions, deepening our democracy, protecting our freedoms, and placing our economy on the sustainable path of inclusive prosperity."
The party called on any members involved with the bill to cease their support immediately.
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