Ruto says he won’t extend his term beyond the constitutional requirement

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenyan president William Ruto has dismissed claims by a section of the opposition Members of Parliament that he plans to extend his term limit by amending the Constitution.

The head of state who spoke during the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group Meeting at Statehouse, Nairobi, Ruto on Tuesday afternoon cautioned legislators in his camp to diverge the attention from service delivery to self-glory.

President advised the lawmakers allied to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition to concentrate on amending laws that will benefit Kenyans at large and not individuals.

“I want to tell you here today that you should spend your time pushing for selfish and self-serving legislation, like changing the Constitution to remove term limits. My focus is service to the people.” Ruto says.

Last week FAFI Member of Parliament Salah Yakub proposed that a Bill should be introduced in parliament to abolish the presidential term limit to add more years to the Head of State.

The lawmaker alleged that the UDA members of parliament were already working on a Constitutional Amendment Bill to replace the two-term limit with an age limit of 75 years, paving way for Ruto to rule for up to 20 years.

Yakub’s proposal was strongly denied by the Kenya Kwanza brigade who termed the sentiments as his own personal view and not the party.
Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro added that “That is not the position of the party, and I speak with authority, there is no such thinking that we need to change the Constitution to remove the term limit.”

As per Article 142 of the 2010 Constitution, the president shall hold office for a term beginning on the date of the inauguration and ending when the person elected next President is sworn in.

In case the article is to be amended, it will go beyond a parliamentary initiative as a referendum will be required to effect the change.

GAROWE ONLINE