IMANI: Pink revolution as netizens again reject push to extend term limits

An interesting post has been appearing on the timelines of many Kenyans:the ‘Pink Revolution’. 

Originally, the term referred to the technological modernisation and expansionof India’s meat and poultry processing industry, popularised to describe effortsto increase production and improve hygiene. 

But this is not what Kenyans online are alluding to. Rather, it reflectssimilar occurrences in the Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal and Kenya wherecitizens have mobilised against their governments in recent months.

The mere mention of Kenya among states whose citizens successfully hound ineffective leadership out of office seems to be igniting hope that change is imminent.

Youth-ledmovements are challenging entrenched power, with the most dramatic scenes unfolding innations where parliaments have been torched, notably in Kathmandu, Nepal, whereParliament recently became an inferno.

It may seem an adverse move, but netizens – while not glorifyingvandalism – have pinpointed the root cause: parliaments are increasingly seenas a public letdown. Instead of legislating for the common good, lawmakersare perceived to congregate primarily to craft and pass laws that oppress themwananchi and enrich the ruling elite.

It is against this febrile backdrop that a resurfacing legislative proposal onextending term limits has come under sharp scrutiny this week. The draft Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has sparked intensedebate, with many Kenyans online saying it proposes to extend the termlimits for elected officials, including the president, governors and MPs, from five to seven years. 

Defending his creation, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei was quotedarguing that increased term limits would help “ensure stability and allowelected leaders more time to implement their development agendas” withoutthe constant pressure of an impending five-year election cycle.

This justification has fallen on deaf ears among a populace grappling with ahigh cost of living, disarray in education and health funding and widespreaddistrust of the political class.

Not to mention the display of opulence as thehead of state jets around. Photos circulated online showed President William Ruto’scarrier of choice, described as a luxury jet, during his three-day visit toEthiopia on Sunday. While Kenyans are overtaxed, overburdened andoverworked, with little to show, it comes as a slap in the face for their leaders todemonstrate lavish lifestyles.

When a Cabinet Secretary posted he was attending his child’s graduationoverseas, netizens were all the more irked, seeing as university in Kenya isunderfunded. The rich mess up public institutions, then ensure their childrenare educated abroad. 

It is therefore not surprising to see sentiments expressed to the tune that it is‘cheaper to rebuild parliaments’ than to endure decades of poor governanceand economic stagnation.

Even amidst all the buzz, the Senate swiftly refuted the claims, terming theinformation incorrect.

On its official X account, the Senate posted a detailed rebuttal: “A review ofthe official Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, shows that theclaims being made are false.

Here are the facts based on the contents of theBill: 1. The Bill Does NOT Extend Term Limits. Nowhere in the Constitution ofKenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is there any proposal to extend the terms ofoffice for the President, Governors, MPs, or MCAs from five to seven years…2. The Bill Does NOT Create a Prime Minister Post…”

The House went on to put the Bill into perspective, stating its primaryobjective is to strengthen devolution and the role of the Senate. Its mainproposals are to enhance bicameralism, strengthen the Senate’s financialoversight and protect county assemblies by establishing a constitutionallyprotected fund. The post concluded by urging citizens to “read and verifyinformation before sharing.”

But even if this was a rumour, the visceral reaction lays bare certain realities:term extensions are unwelcome and a self-serving move by the political class. If anything, term limits are a cornerstone of democratic renewal, preventingthe entrenchment of dictatorships and fostering peaceful transitions of power.Any attempt to tamper with them is a direct threat to the nation’s democraticfabric. The constitution mandates five-year terms.

A shorter electoral cycle ensures leaders remain accountable to the people.The fear is that longer terms would insulate officials from public opinion,reducing their incentive to deliver on promises. Leaders should focus onalleviating economic hardship, not on crafting laws that benefit their ownlongevity in power.

Rather than focusing on tenure elongation, leaders should prioritise policiesthat stabilise prices of basic commodities, create jobs and support localindustries.

Additionally, improving the delivery of healthcare, education and infrastructureand ensuring that devolved funds actually benefit counties should be thefocus. 

And finally, for this regime to rescue its reputation, it should demonstrate atangible and unwavering commitment to eradicating graft, which is seen asthe primary drain on the nation’s resources.

In the end, the ‘Pink Revolution’ chatter is a symbol of a growing publicsentiment: a warning to the political class that the patience of the Kenyanpeople is wearing thin and their primary demand is accountable governance,not self-preservation.