UDA Party distances itself from Senator Cherargei's term limit extension proposal

UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala addresses party delegates at Mosocho in Kisii. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party has distanced itself from Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s proposal on the extension of presidential term limits.

This comes days after the lawmaker presented a memorandum to the National Dialogue team, seeking to extend the presidential term limit from five to seven years.

In a statement by UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala on Monday morning, the party says it has respect for all lawmakers’ views.

“The UDA Party respects and upholds the Senator's personal views but particularly on the referenced subject, those views do not reflect the perspectives of the UDA Party and/or its Party Leader, the President, William Ruto,” Malala’s statement reads in part.

“The President solemnly swore to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution which is abundantly clear and categorical on the Presidential term limit.”

Malala says the ruling party’s focus is on delivering on its promises to the People of Kenya.

In his proposal, Malala suggests that five years in office is not sufficient for the running of government and forming a formidable team to implement the election manifesto. 

The constitution only stipulates a five-year term and allows for a chance to get re-elected only once.

Cherargei also wanted the talks team to establish the Office of the Prime Minister who will sit in parliament and be the official spokesman of government in the house.

The proposal has elicited mixed reactions online with some supporting the proposal as the opposition and its supporters strongly criticized the move.