
A wave of panic swept across social media today with thousands of Kenyans believing a leaked proposal aimed to extend President Ruto’s tenure. But in a shock turnaround, the Senate delivered swift and firm clarity: the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2025 does not seek to extend the terms of any elective office—ruling the rumors completely unfounded.
Within hours, the Senate issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the misinformation. The House emphasized that the Bill makes no adjustments to the term limits for the President, governors, MPs, or county assembly members. Neither does it introduce a Prime Minister role or alter the structure of the national executive. The Senate urged Kenyans not to be misled by false reports that could incite unrest.
This comes amid a tense social media backlash: since dawn, hashtags calling for renewed street protests began trending, echoing earlier constitutional flashpoints. But today’s revelation drastically reframes the narrative, transforming viral fears into institutional reassurance.
Instead of entrenching power, the Amendment Bill proposes to empower devolution and enhance the Senate’s role in governance. Core provisions include:
- Strengthening bicameralism by ensuring most laws undergo compulsory review by both houses of Parliament.
- Granting the Senate direct oversight in the national budget process and the appointment of key watchdogs—such as the Controller of Budget and Auditor General.
- Creating a constitutionally protected County Assembly Fund, aimed at injecting financial independence into county legislatures and curbing executive interference.
This development underscores a growing disconnect between speculation and facts. Experts warn that allowing misinformation to drive public sentiment may threaten stability and cloud necessary constitutional reform debates.