The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has rejected the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to increase the presidential term from the current five to seven years.

In a letter addressed to the clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye, the party’s Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen stated that the proposed amendment to the constitution by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei must be subjected to a referendum for Kenyans to decide.

“We wish to register our concern by expressing our total rejection of the proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment Bill) number 2 of 2024 in its entirety,” stated Ong’wen in his letter dated October 25, 2024.

He added that the rejection is based on the contravention of article 255 (1) of the constitution of Kenya and subversion of its basic structure. 

“Such amendments must be approved through a referendum,” he added.

He added that article 255(2) mandates that such amendments require at least 20 percent voter participation in half of all counties and a simple majority in the referendum. 

“The proposed amendment (to increase the presidential term from the current five to seven years) seeks to bypass these crucial constitutional safeguards”, said Ong’wen.

According to ODM, the attempt to circumvent proper constitutional procedures threatens the very foundation of the country’s democracy, undermines the sovereignty of the people and goes against the principle of public participation.

“We therefore urge the Senate to reject this Bill and uphold the principles of good governance, the rule of law and the constitutional requirement for genuine public participation through a public referendum,” he stated.