The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has firmly opposed the proposed Constitution of Kenya Amendment (No. 2) Bill, 2024, which seeks to extend the terms of elected officials from five to seven years.

Describing the bill as "an insult to Kenyans," ODM’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa have committed to blocking its passage in Parliament.

PHOTO | COURTESY Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna 

The bill, introduced by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, would affect the term limits of the president, Senators, MPs, governors, and Members of County Assembly (MCAs).

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ODM leaders spoke at two events in Vihiga County: the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Annual General Meeting and a public event in Butere. They vowed to resist the bill, with Sifuna rallying ODM members in both the National Assembly and Senate to reject it.

Sifuna criticized the proposal as self-serving, arguing that the five-year term is sufficient for leaders to fulfill their mandate.

PHOTO | COURTESY Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei

Senator Osotsi reinforced ODM’s stance, claiming the bill lacks broad support and dismissing it as the idea of a single individual. He emphasized that the current term limit is adequate for effective governance and warned against unnecessary constitutional amendments.

 Governor Barasa described the bill as a potential setback to the 2010 Constitution, advocating instead for people-centered reforms.

In further opposition, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya argued that extending terms could disrupt the country’s stability and peace. He added that the proposal fails to address pressing issues such as the high cost of living.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula also rejected the bill, likening it to moves by other countries to entrench long-standing leaders.

The proposal has stirred widespread public disapproval, with the Senate receiving over 200,000 memoranda from citizens opposing the amendment.

PHOTO | COURTESY Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei

The public participation period closed on October 25. The bill also proposes creating a Prime Minister's office to be filled by a presidential appointee.

This marks the second attempt to change presidential term limits since President William Ruto’s election in 2022.