The Senate sets the record straight on alleged bill seeking to extend RUTO’s term limit and create Prime Minister’s post

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - The Kenyan Senate has dismissed viral claims suggesting that the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to extend the term of the President and other elected leaders from five to seven years.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Senate clarified that the proposed legislation does not alter term limits for the Presidency, Governors, Members of Parliament, or County Assembly representatives.

“This information is incorrect,” the Senate stated. “A review of the official Bill shows that the claims being made are false.”

The rebuttal follows a wave of social media uproar, with hundreds of posts alleging a covert attempt to extend presidential tenure - some even calling for mass protests.

The Senate emphasized that the Bill does not touch on any constitutional provisions related to elective office tenure, nor does it introduce a Prime Minister role or restructure the executive.

Instead, the Bill aims to strengthen Kenya’s devolved governance system.

Key proposals include enhancing bicameralism by requiring more bills to pass through both Houses, expanding the Senate’s role in budget-making, and granting it authority to approve top State officers such as the Auditor-General and Controller of Budget.

Another major highlight is the creation of a constitutionally protected County Assembly Fund, intended to ensure financial autonomy for County legislatures and guard against external interference.

President William Ruto previously addressed similar concerns in 2024 when Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei proposed a controversial amendment to extend presidential term limits from five to seven years.

Ruto firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing his commitment to upholding Kenya’s Constitution and democratic principles.

“Altering term limits is unnecessary and risks destabilizing our democratic foundations,” he stated.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Ruto’s ruling party, also distanced itself from the proposal, labeling it “retrogressive” and “self-serving”

The Kenyan DAILY POST