Nairobi, Kenya, November 14- The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has strongly opposed the proposal to extend the Presidential term from five to seven years, introduced under the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, also seeks to extend the terms of governors and MPs.
At a press conference in Ruaraka, Nairobi, on Thursday, the bishops condemned the proposal as “selfish” and “baffling.” “We should scrutinize this political move, as there are plans to fast-track the bill’s passage,” KCCB stated, arguing that a two-term limit of 10 years is sufficient.
The bishops called on political leaders to focus on more urgent issues facing Kenyans, such as crises in education, healthcare, and youth unemployment, rather than amending the Constitution. Cherargei’s proposal, which he claims has broad public support, is a revived version of a similar bid from last year that faced public backlash.
KCCB also criticized the government’s tax policies, calling them “burdensome,” particularly new measures introduced after the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 following protests. “We must heed the cries of Kenyans,” the bishops urged.
Additionally, the bishops condemned the rising number of abductions across the country, calling it a violation of human rights. Since the June protests against Ruto’s government, several activists and social media users have gone missing, with some later found dead and others still unaccounted for. Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed 29 people are still missing but denied police involvement.
The bishops also expressed concern over the increase in femicide, with 97 women and girls killed in the past three months, according to police.
