Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa Shakes Politics with Four-Year Term Proposal

By REUBEN MUISONIK,

POLITICAL EDITOR, THE DISPATCH DIGITAL

In a move that’s shaking up Kenya’s political scene, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has sparked major debate by proposing a reduction of presidential and other elected leaders’ terms from the current five years to just four. This bold plan, unveiled during a press briefing on Wednesday, has already set tongues wagging across the political divide.

According to Thang’wa, the shorter term limits would not only encourage new leadership but also push those in power to focus on the people’s needs, rather than settling into the comfort of long, unchallenged reigns.

“A four-year term will allow new leaders to emerge, fostering innovation and responsiveness to the diverse needs of our people,” said the senator. He argued that shorter terms would breathe new life into Kenya’s democracy, creating a system where fresh ideas and perspectives flourish.

His words have lit a fuse in Kenya’s political world, where incumbents often enjoy the luxury of five-year terms. Thang’wa didn’t mince his words, saying, “We need to prevent the consolidation of power among elected leaders. Longer terms can lead to entrenched leadership and stagnation.”

Thang’wa, a staunch ally of ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has been vocal in defending the former DP on several platforms. His latest proposal seems to position him as a disruptor within the ruling coalition at a time when tensions are high and loyalties are shifting.

The Timing Couldn’t Be More Controversial

Thang’wa’s call for a four-year term comes at a time when the Senate is already knee-deep in debate over the Constitution (Amendment) Bill of 2024. Sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, the bill proposes extending the President’s term to seven years—a suggestion that’s drawn heavy criticism from both politicians and the public.

Cherargei’s Bill has been slammed as a blatant attempt to secure more time in power for the political elite, and Thang’wa didn’t hesitate to take aim at it. He dismissed the proposal as a “diversionary tactic” meant to draw attention away from Kenya’s real problems, including economic challenges and governance failures.

“The Constitution (Amendment) Bill serves as a distraction from pressing national issues,” Thang’wa blasted. His remarks have only added fuel to the fiery national debate, with many Kenyans questioning whether politicians are more interested in securing their own futures than tackling the nation’s most urgent concerns.

Ruto: “No Way to Constitutional Changes for Selfish Interests”

Even President William Ruto has weighed in on the controversy, distancing himself and his ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party from the push to extend presidential terms. In a strongly-worded statement, the President made it crystal clear that he would not back any attempts to alter the Constitution for personal gain.

“The discussion on changing the Constitution for parochial, selfish and personal matters is not a space I want to go into. As President, I will not participate in mutilating the Constitution for selfish interests,” Ruto declared, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

His comments have been seen as a thinly-veiled swipe at those pushing for Cherargei’s seven-year term proposal, but they’ve also added more weight to the brewing political storm.

A New Political Power Play?

Senator Thang’wa’s call for a four-year term is likely to be the latest wrench thrown into Kenya’s complicated political machinery. While the Constitution (Amendment) Bill of 2024 aims to give the President and other elected officials more time to govern, Thang’wa’s proposal seeks to do the exact opposite—shorten their reigns and force them to make the most of their time in office.

Under the current Kenyan Constitution, presidents, governors, MPs, senators, and MCAs serve a term of five years. Presidents and governors are limited to two terms, but MPs and MCAs can be re-elected indefinitely. The senator’s proposal, if passed, would see all these officials serve for just four years, fundamentally reshaping the political landscape.

Analysts predict that if Thang’wa’s proposal gains traction, it could completely change how future elections are fought and won. Leaders would have to adapt to shorter cycles, making it harder for them to consolidate power. It could also create opportunities for new blood to rise through the ranks more frequently, ensuring a constant turnover in leadership.

What’s Next?

The ball is now in Parliament’s court. With both Thang’wa’s four-year term proposal and Cherargei’s seven-year term amendment being hotly debated, it’s clear that Kenya’s political future is hanging in the balance. Will the Senate and National Assembly embrace change, or will they hold on to the status quo?

One thing’s for sure—Kenya’s political elite will be watching closely, as will the voters, many of whom are fed up with leaders who, in their eyes, serve themselves more than the people.

Whatever happens, the debate is far from over, and Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa’s proposal could just be the spark that ignites a new era of Kenyan politics.