Cherargei’s bill to extend presidential terms to 7 years triggers fears of power grab. Experts, public, and UDA weigh in.
Senator Cherargei’s Term Extension Bill Sparks Public Outcry, Expert Backlash
By Charles Wachira
Senator Samson Cherargei of Kenya has stirred a national debate by introducing a bill proposing to extend the presidential term from five to seven years, a move that critics claim is a veiled strategy to prolong President William Ruto’s rule.
Cherargei, a loyalist in the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), argues that five years is too short for a president to effectively implement development plans—especially given electoral disputes that disrupt governance.
“Seven years will provide ample time for a president to deliver on their manifesto,” Cherargei declared during the Senate reading.
Not the First Attempt
Cherargei had previously floated similar ideas, which were rejected by the National Dialogue Committee co-chaired by President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2023.
This revived bill also seeks to:
- Extend terms for MPs and governors to seven years.
- Introduce a prime minister’s post appointed by the president.
Critics: “This is About Power, Not the People”
Francis Chege of the former Jubilee Party condemned the bill, calling it:
“A plot to extend Ruto’s rule… this is about power consolidation, not the people.”
Many Kenyans, including civil society voices and constitutional watchdogs, have expressed fears that the move could undermine hard-won democratic gains.
Alternative View: One Term, Seven Years
Eugene Otieno, a history teacher, supports a single seven-year presidential term to limit re-election pressures:
“A one-term presidency would shift focus from campaigning to governance. But any such reform must involve wide public consultation.”
Public Backlash Builds
On social media and talk shows, the sentiment is clear:
Extending political terms is viewed as:
- Undermining accountability.
- Encouraging complacency.
- Distracting from pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, and corruption.
Many Kenyans believe the problem is inefficiency, not time—arguing that five years is enough if leadership is focused and results-driven.
Political Analysts Weigh In
1. Dr. Duncan Ojwang – Constitutional Law Scholar
“Term limits prevent power concentration. Extending them sets a dangerous precedent.”
2. Dr. Peter Kagwanja – Political Scientist
“The bill veils a power consolidation strategy. Adding a prime minister weakens checks and balances.”
3. Carol Situma – Political Analyst
“This is a diversion from real issues—public debt, privatization chaos, and governance failure.”
4. Prof. Macharia Munene – Governance Expert
“Poor project delivery is due to incompetence, not short terms.”
5. Dr. Linda Musumba – Constitutional Lawyer
“Without broad public support, the move could spark political instability and mass protests.”
What Is Ruto’s Position?
President Ruto has so far been non-committal.
In 2023, then UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala distanced the party from similar proposals:
“The president is focused on his five-year mandate and does not support term extension without a referendum.”
A recent UDA statement reiterated that Cherargei’s views do not reflect the party’s official position.
“UDA respects differing opinions, but these views do not reflect our party’s stance or that of our leader, President William Ruto,” a spokesperson clarified.
What If the Bill Passes?
If Parliament backs the bill, the impact would be seismic:
- Ruto’s critics could accuse him of authoritarian drift.
- A referendum would likely be triggered.
- Public backlash could mirror past constitutional reform protests.
- Introducing a presidentially appointed prime minister may centralize power further, leading to executive-legislative tension.
Experts: Only a Referendum Can Decide
Dr. Samuel Nyikal, a constitutional scholar, concluded:
“This matter must go to the people through a referendum. Parliament alone cannot decide on presidential term changes.”
Conclusion: Power Grab or Reform?
Most experts and citizens believe Cherargei’s bill threatens Kenya’s democratic fabric. While the Senator frames it as a governance reform, opponents argue it distracts from the real problems—economic hardship, broken promises, and rising public distrust.
With Senate scrutiny underway, the political pressure on President Ruto to break his silence is mounting. Whether this bill progresses or not, the public mood signals a deep skepticism of any moves to alter constitutional term limits.