ICJ Kenya calls out elected politicians for their manoeuvres to extend term limits

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has termed the proposed constitutional amendments introduced by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei as an attempt by selfish politicians seeking to protect unjustified stay in power under pretence of reforms.

The amendments through a Bill currently before the Parliament seek to extend term limits for the President among other elected leaders from five(5) to seven(7) years.

It is also seeking to reinstate the office of the Prime Minister which became extinct after the March 2013 General Election.

ICJ Kenya chapter chairman Protas Saende said the proposed amendments, “which serve individual ambitions over collective needs, risk pushing Kenyans to another wave of protests”.

He says these amendments are going to undermine key governance frameworks and threaten to erode the foundation of democracy terming the same as an assault on Kenya's democratic safeguards.

The amendments proposed in this bill violate several fundamental constitutional provisions warning that Kenyans’ patience is wearing thin.

“The Gen Z-led protests provided a resounding reminder that the people of Kenya are watching, and they are unafraid to raise their voices. The political temperature, though rising, has yet to reach a boiling point and if our leaders continue down this path of self-serving legislation, they are pouring fuel on a smouldering fire," Mr Saende said.

He added: “We, therefore, urge the political class to exercise restraint and wisdom. Power is entrusted to them not as a means to fulfil personal desires but as a covenant with the people."

Mr Saende says the leadership should direct energies on issues that resonate with Kenyans such as the high cost of living, transparency of private-public partnerships (PPPs) contracts for key national assets, and the crisis in the health sector among others.

He says Kenya faces more pressing issues that demand the legislators’ attention.

“The timelines for the delimitation of electoral boundaries has already lapsed, by-elections remain pending in several areas due to delays in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC),” he stated.

“This constitutional crisis is one of genuine concern as the continued delay (in setting up the IEBC) threatens to compromise the integrity of Kenya’s democratic processes. If our elected representatives must legislate, let them address the IEBC crisis and the boundaries delimitation to avoid further disenfranchisement of Kenyans.”

The ICJ says African Union, European Union and the United Nations have condemned similar manoeuvres in other nations, with countries like Burundi suffering sanctions and aid restrictions.

Mr Saende says Kenya risks joining these ranks, sacrificing its reputation, diplomatic standing, and economic support.