By M, KNA
Kuria West Member of Parliament (MP), Mathias Robi, has urged politicians to prioritize the aching needs of the ordinary Kenyan rather than debating extension of Presidential term to seven years from the current five years.
The United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA) lawmaker, affirmed that Kenyans are watching closely those championing the extension of the term limit, adding that it was done in bad faith, especially at a time when President William Ruto’s government was starting to deliver tangible developmental results.
The Legislator who spoke during an empowerment drive for Kehancha Matatu Association fundraising said that the new 2010 Constitution should be implemented in full to realise a prosperous nation in terms of servant leadership, development and the rule of law.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei had proposed the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, which sought to extend the presidential and parliamentary terms.
Cherargei still maintained that the extension of the presidential limit to seven years would allow development in the country.
The Bill proposes amending Article 101 to increase the tenure of Members of Parliament and Article 136 to extend the President’s term, both from five to seven years.
Robi also said that President Ruto will retain his seat in the 2027 General Election due to his development track record.
The Kuria West MP praised the broad-based government formed between the UDA and ODM, saying that it will be very hard to defeat President Ruto in the 2027 polls if Raila Odinga backs him.
On the issue of affordable housing, Robi said that the completion of the Mabera affordable housing project will inject new hope for Mabera residents to own a house.
The project, which is 98 percent complete, has all social amenities needed in readiness for occupation.
The 200 units under the Constituency Affordable Housing programme sitting on a land measuring 2.5 acres will include 40 one-bedroom units, 100 two-bedroom units and 60 three-bedroom units in the project.
He acknowledged that the project has created a lot of employment opportunities for Mabera residents, making them economically empowered even after the project is done.
