File iamge of Senator karungo Wa Thang’wa
Kiambu County Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has proposed the reduction of term limits for elected leaders to four years.
Speaking on Wednesday, Thang’wa stated that the new term limit will encourage the emergence of new leaders, as well as incentivizing leaders to prioritize the needs of citizens.
He also pointed out that the four-year term limit will help to enhance accountability and political participation.
“After opposing the seven-year term, I’m proposing a different amendment. I’m proposing a four-year term limit.
“Therefore, I’m moving an amendment that proposes a four-year term limit for presidents, governors, senators, MPs and MCAs,” said the Kiambu Senator.
Senator Thang’wa went on to say that the four-year term will provide a space for Kenyans to hold their leaders to account frequently.
“Voters deserve the right to evaluate their representatives and make necessary changes based on their governance. It will also encourage intellectual political participation”.
This comes at a time when the Senate is currently debating the Constitution (Amendment) Bill of 2024, which seeks to introduce a seven-year term for the president and other elected leaders.
The Senate has so far invited public views on the proposal tabled by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
The bill also seeks to amend Article 151 by inserting 151A, which proposes to create the office of the Prime Minister, to be appointed by the President from among the members of Parliament.
The bill has caused a huge uproar among the public and within the political divide.
President William Ruto and the UDA, have also come out strongly to distance themselves from the bill sponsored by Cherargei.
“There is no place for the discussion of amending the Constitution for parochial, selfish, and personal reasons. I want to make it very clear that as President, I will not participate in mutilating the Constitution for the purpose of serving selfish interests,” Ruto stated.
