Nairobi: A group of Kenyan MPs has dismissed a petition seeking to set an age limit for presidential candidates. Mohamed Mohamud, a resident of Garissa County, has filed the petition in the National Assembly for the Constitution to be amended to cap the age of presidential candidates at 70 years. The petition, if successful, could lock out ODM leader Raila Odinga from the 2022 race, if he intends to run.
It is based on the principle that there is a retirement age for State officers, including those in the Judiciary and independent commissions, but none for the political class. “This has led to the recycling of leaders who are unwilling to surrender power to a younger generation,” Mohamud, who questions the effectiveness of septuagenarians in discharging national duties, argues.
Discrimination
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi directed the Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs to consider the petition and file a report in the House in the next 60 days. However, some MPs have criticised the petition, pointing out that it violates the non-discrimination stance enshrined in the Constitution. They argue that laws should not be made with an individual in mind but for posterity. They have also questioned the procedure used to bring the petition to Parliament.
Senate Minority Whip Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said the petition had been brought in bad faith as part of a scheme to bar Odinga from the presidential contest. “It is obvious Odinga and Musyoka are the targets. They are the only politicians in that age bracket,” Kilonzo Jnr said, describing the proposals in the petition as unconstitutional.
National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi claimed the petitioner is being used by other forces. “Wisdom and experiences come with age and what I know is that age humbles leaders,” he said. Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya said Mohamud is not properly advised. “It is against the spirit of the Bomas process, which informed the writing of the new Constitution.”
