File a petition rejecting the proposed amendment bill to the constitution for extension of term limit.Visit: active-citizen-ke.vercel.app
The motion in the Senate proposing an extension of the presidential term limit to seven years is a direct affront to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution. By seeking to amend the Constitution without following the required procedures, this move not only undermines the rule of law but also threatens the very foundation of governance in Kenya.
The term limit, outlined in Article 252 of the Constitution, is a crucial safeguard designed to prevent the entrenchment of power and ensure regular leadership renewal. It reflects the will of the people as expressed in the 2010 referendum when Kenyans overwhelmingly voted to limit presidential terms to two, with each term lasting five years. This provision ensures that no individual, however popular or powerful, can monopolize leadership for an extended period, thus allowing for a healthy rotation of leaders and policies that reflect the dynamic needs of the populace.
The proposal to extend the presidential term limit to seven years without consulting the public through a referendum is an abuse of power. Article 255(1) of the Constitution clearly stipulates that any amendment affecting the term of office of the President must be subjected to a referendum. This is because the term limit is not just a technicality but a fundamental democratic safeguard that must be protected by the public. Amending this key provision without public consent would set a dangerous precedent where the political elite can manipulate the law for their own benefit, eroding the democratic gains that Kenyans fought so hard to achieve.
Furthermore, proponents of this motion argue that extending the term limit would provide more time for the president to implement their development agenda. However, this argument is flawed. Extending the term does not guarantee better governance or more development. What Kenya needs is not extended terms but more accountable leadership, where performance is assessed regularly, and leaders are held responsible for their promises and actions. Extending the presidential term to seven years would only serve to concentrate power in the hands of a few, reducing the checks and balances that are essential in any healthy democracy.
Kenya’s history is a reminder of how unchecked power can lead to authoritarianism, corruption, and the suppression of dissent. The two-term limit has helped to mitigate these risks by ensuring a peaceful and predictable transfer of power every ten years. This system has allowed new leaders to emerge, each bringing different visions and policies to address the country's evolving challenges. Altering this delicate balance would risk plunging the country back into the autocratic tendencies that many thought were left behind.
Reject through.
Visit: active-citizen-ke.vercel.app
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This proposed amendment is not in the interest of the Kenyan people but serves only the political elite who seek to extend their grip on power. It is, therefore, imperative that the public remains vigilant and rejects this motion. The Constitution belongs to the people, and any attempt to alter its fundamental principles without their explicit approval is an assault on our democracy.
We urge the public to reject this proposal by signing the petition available at the link below. Let us defend our Constitution and ensure that Kenya remains a country where power belongs to the people, not the political elite.
Sign the Petition to Reject the Extension of the Presidential Term Limit
https://active-citizen-ke.vercel.app/
Visit: active-citizen-ke.vercel.app
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https://active-citizen-ke.vercel.app/
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