- Atwoli compares Kenya to Uganda and European monarchies, arguing that removing term limits fosters stability.
- He claims frequent elections hinder governance and development by encouraging early campaign planning.
- The proposal follows his earlier calls for constitutional amendments to address governance challenges.
Long-serving COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has sparked a heated debate after suggesting the removal of presidential term limits in Kenya. Speaking on JKL Wednesday night, Atwoli argued that term limits encourage perpetual politicking, which he believes hampers governance and national development.
Atwoli claimed that Kenya’s election cycles divert attention from meaningful progress, with politicians focusing on campaigns instead of governance. “If you asked me, as Francis Atwoli, I’d tell you to remove term limits,” he remarked. “People start planning their campaigns early, timing when the 10 years will end so they can become president.”
He compared Kenya to Uganda, a country without presidential term limits, suggesting it enjoys relative political stability. He also referenced European monarchies where leadership transitions are not determined by elections. Atwoli argued such systems prevent constant political maneuvering, allowing leaders to focus on development.
“Are Ugandans experiencing the same problems we do here? Politics has become an industry in and day out because leaders are always preparing for the next election,” he said.
The COTU boss has previously called for a review of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, urging amendments to address challenges he claims President William Ruto faces.
Atwoli’s proposal has sparked conversations across Kenya, with critics questioning its implications for democracy.
