ICJ Kenya faults proposal to extend term limits for elected leaders

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) termed the proposed amendments of the constitution as an attempt by selfish politicians seeking to protect unjustified stay in power under the 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 to seven years.

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

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

He said 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 chair reiterated the amendments proposed in this bill violate several fundamental constitutional provisions warning that Kenyans' patience is wearing thin.

Gen Z protests

"The Gen Z protests provided a resounding reminder that the people of Kenya are watching, and they are unafraid to raise their voices," Saende said.

"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. 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."

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

He said Kenya faces more pressing issues that demand the legislators' attention.

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

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

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