Scrap Presidential Term Limits to Solve Kenya’s Problems, Says COTU Boss Francis Atwoli
The Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, has suggested that Kenya should abolish the presidential term limit.
During an interview on the evening of Wednesday, November 27, Atwoli argued that the term limit is a primary source of the country’s challenges.
Atwoli explained that the presidency’s time-restricted nature fuels unnecessary political activity, as politicians constantly strategize to position themselves for leadership once the incumbent’s term nears its end.
He expressed concern over the politicization of daily life, likening politics to an industry that dominates national discourse.
“If you ask me, I will say we should remove the presidential term limit because it’s the root of our problems. Someone is always waiting to take over after 10 years. Are Ugandans facing the same issues we encounter here? Every day is about politics because people are preparing for the next term to end,” he stated.
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Drawing comparisons, Atwoli pointed out that monarchies and kingdoms in some European countries do not experience such turmoil.
According to him, these nations benefit from political stability because they uphold their traditions, which do not include frequent leadership changes.
Atwoli’s comments follow a Senate committee’s rejection of a proposal to extend the terms of the president and other elected leaders from five to seven years.
The bill, introduced by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, faced significant backlash from Kenyans and political leaders.
Additionally, Atwoli has called for constitutional reforms, asserting that the current legal framework hinders President William Ruto’s ability to implement his administration’s policies fully.
He argued that provisions allowing citizens to challenge government initiatives in court serve as obstacles to effective governance, limiting the president’s ability to deliver on his agenda.
Scrap Presidential Term Limits to Solve Kenya’s Problems, Says COTU Boss Francis Atwoli
