Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has introduced a new bill that seeks to reduce the term limits for all elected leaders in Kenya from the current five years to four years. Speaking during a press briefing in Parliament on October 23, Thang’wa explained that this proposal aims to increase accountability by allowing the public to evaluate their leaders more frequently.
The senator, a strong ally of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, believes that reducing term lengths would also encourage greater political participation and provide opportunities for fresh leadership.
Thang’wa argued that a shorter term would “enhance accountability, encourage political participation, and prevent the consolidation of power,” emphasizing that it would strengthen Kenya’s democratic norms. He also noted that when voters know they can influence leadership every four years, it could invigorate public interest in politics, making more people engage in the electoral process.
His bill stands in opposition to another proposal, the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which suggests extending the terms of elected officials from five to seven years. This bill, sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, has faced widespread criticism, with many labeling it as “dead on arrival.”
Thang’wa claimed Cherargei’s proposal was a distraction from more pressing national issues, including health, education, security, and corruption.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has also expressed his opposition to Cherargei’s bill, stating it is unlikely to succeed.
“That Cherargei legislative proposal on term limits is dead on arrival, period. He should save his own time, that of other Senators and tax payers money,” Ichung’wah posted on X on Wednesday night, October 24.
Ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), also criticised the bill, describing it as retrogressive and self-serving that would breach the country’s democracy.
“This cynical, profoundly misguided Bill contravenes the long-held aspiration of the Kenyan people to retire undemocratic entrenchment of unaccountable political monopolies,” UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar said.
The bill has also raised fundamental questions regarding the Constitutional basis as such an amendment would require a referendum and not just a parliamentary process.
Amid the backlash, Cherargei’s bill is currently in the public participation stage that will conclude on Friday, October 25.
