The initiative to extend the term limits is going nowhere.
We have learnt from the public agitation arising from the Finance Bill, 2024 process, that public participation, particularly the sentiments that arise from that, must count for something.
I hope that MPs learnt from the protests.
So far, public opposition to the initiative has been overwhelming and we only hope that in an accountable and democratic society, the voice of the people and the mood of the public will inform the decisions our leaders make.
With that said, it is clear that our leaders are out of touch with the pressing priorities of the public.
Of all the concerns that people are grappling with, ranging from the punishing cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, extrajudicial killings and climate change concerns among others, they think that extension of the term limit for the political elite is topping the priority list.
Politicians are inherently selfish and prioritise their own issues above those that affect the masses.
Members of the public must remain vigilant in pushing back against any attempts to suck public oxygen by the politicians to pursue the selfish interest rather than serving the interest of the public.
I must also say that the likes of Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who has sponsored this Bill, are not new.
During the Moi regime, there used to be overzealous politicians who were ultra-sycophants and who wanted to push every line to prove adulation to the powers that be.
And I also believe that it is a distraction.
Lately, he has been posturing as a pro-Rigathi Gachagua sympathiser in the impeachment saga against the will of the powers that be, probably to lend himself the credibility of being independent-minded.
It is even absurd that Cherargei and his ilk think that giving politicians more time in office enhances the quality of their leadership and public service.
In places like the US, the president only serves for four years and is eligible for reelection.
Members of the House of Representatives are up for reelection every two years and this has not affected the quality of their input and service in office.
Kenyans must see to it that the 2010 Constitution is not mutilated through nefarious and bad-faith amendments.
Executive director of Kenya National Civil Society Centre spoke to the Star