UDA Opposes Presidential Term Limit Amendment

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“The masterminds and sponsors of the constitutional amendment bill have not engaged in sufficient reflection,”

UDA Secretary General Omar Hassan [blue suit] addressing UDA officials. Photo by UDA.

By Robert Mutasi

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has expressed its firm opposition to a controversial bill that seeks to extend the presidential term limits in Kenya.

The statement, issued on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, denounces the proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to alter the constitutional term limits for holders of elective offices, including the presidency.

The UDA’s Secretary General, Hassan Omar Hassan, signed the statement, declaring the bill “repugnant, retrogressive, and primitive.”

The party has voiced its profound concern over what it terms as a cynical and self-serving initiative, asserting that the proposal undermines the aspirations of the Kenyan people to retire undemocratic political monopolies and denies citizens regular opportunities to hold their leaders accountable.

“The masterminds and sponsors of the constitutional amendment bill have not engaged in sufficient reflection,” hethe statement read.

It further accused the proponents of being preoccupied with “political delinquency” and legislative mischief rather than considering the historical, institutional, and political necessity of term limits.

The UDA, which currently forms part of the governing coalition, emphasized that the bill contravenes the party’s policies and principles.

“The bill is incompatible with our policy and aspirations,” the statement declared, adding that the amendment does not seek to achieve any legitimate or meaningful objectives.

The party’s leadership reminded Kenyans of their commitment to upholding the constitution and respecting the long-standing struggle for constitutional reforms, which brought about a democratic and inclusive dispensation.

“UDA remembers the lessons of our nation’s history and honours the long struggle of the people of Kenya for constitutional change, which delivered us a liberal, progressive, and democratic constitutional dispensation,” said the statement.

The party has urged other political actors and Kenyans at large to reject the proposed bill and defend the constitution’s letter and spirit, emphasizing that the UDA’s focus is on building a sustainable and prosperous future for the country.

“Our commitment is to offer leadership in fully actualizing the national project, guided by our values and principles.”

In closing, UDA made it clear that any of its members found supporting or promoting the bill would face disciplinary action. “The party disassociates itself from the backward bill and calls upon any of its rank and file who support it to desist.”

The UDA’s forceful rejection of the amendment marks a critical moment in Kenya’s political landscape, as the debate over presidential term limits intensifies.

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