Francis Atwoli, the long-serving Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has reignited the debate on the presidential term limit in Kenya. Speaking during a televised interview on Jeff Koinange Live (JKL), Atwoli argued that the current constitutional restriction of two five-year terms for the presidency has become a major impediment to Kenya’s political stability and development.
Atwoli posited that the presidential term limits encourage perpetual politicking, with individuals and political factions incessantly strategizing to ascend to power. “If you asked me as Francis Atwoli, I’d tell you, let us remove term limits,” he asserted. “Why? This is what is causing us problems. Somebody is timing, after 10 years I want to be president.”
Perpetual Campaigning and Political Instability
The COTU boss argued that the limitations on presidential terms have transformed politics into an unending cycle of campaigns. He criticized the current state of affairs where leaders begin preparing for the next election almost immediately after the conclusion of the last one, hindering progress and governance.
Atwoli further pointed out that this political environment fosters division and hampers the ability of sitting governments to implement long-term development projects. “People have made politics an industry, from morning to evening, because they know someone’s term is almost ending,” he explained.
Lessons from Other Countries
Drawing comparisons with other nations, Atwoli highlighted countries that have abolished presidential term limits as examples of political stability. He cited Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni has remained in power for nearly four decades, as a case in point. According to Atwoli, such countries are less prone to the kind of political turmoil witnessed in Kenya, as their leaders can focus on governance without the pressure of imminent elections.
He also juxtaposed Africa’s situation with European monarchies, noting that these nations do not face similar political challenges because they respect their traditions and maintain continuity in leadership. He questioned why nations that lack term limits, like those with monarchs, often advocate for African countries to enforce strict electoral cycles.
“Are Ugandans experiencing the same problems we experience here?” Atwoli questioned. “Yet, countries in Europe with monarchies do not have elections every five years, and they are peaceful.”
A Call for Constitutional Reform
Atwoli’s remarks come amidst growing discussions about amending the Kenyan Constitution. He reiterated his belief that the 2010 Constitution, while transformative, poses significant challenges for effective governance. He singled out provisions that allow individuals to move to court to challenge government projects, often resulting in delays or cancellations.
“The President wants to bring us a project, people are running to court, they are stopping it, yet it is a national project,” Atwoli lamented. He expressed concern that such legal hurdles could prevent President William Ruto from delivering tangible developments during his tenure.
According to Atwoli, changing aspects of the Constitution to streamline governance and reduce legal bottlenecks is crucial. He pledged support for the President in initiating constitutional reforms but warned that it would be an uphill battle. “We will help you, but the battle you have is big,” he said, emphasizing the need to create an environment where national projects can proceed unimpeded.
The Broader Debate
Atwoli’s call to abolish presidential term limits is likely to spark widespread debate across Kenya’s political and social spectrum. Critics argue that removing term limits could pave the way for authoritarianism and stifle democratic progress. Proponents, however, may view it as a pragmatic solution to Kenya’s cyclical political instability.
As the conversation unfolds, one thing remains clear: Atwoli’s statements have thrown the contentious issue of term limits into the national spotlight, challenging Kenyans to reflect on the balance between democracy, stability, and development. Whether his perspective will gain traction or meet resistance will be a defining discourse in the coming months.
