Activists question Kenya’s constitutional gains as Katiba@16 is marked

Human rights activists and legal practitioners have questioned Kenya’s progress in implementing the 2010 Constitution, saying the country has little to celebrate 16 years after its promulgation.

Speaking at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi during Katiba Day celebrations, activist Boniface Mwangi accused the government of failing to uphold key constitutional principles, particularly on human rights, accountability and the rule of law.

Mwangi said Kenyans must remain vigilant and defend the Constitution against what he described as attempts to undermine the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the supreme law.

Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo also criticised the state over the implementation of the Constitution, urging Kenyans to demand accountability and insist on the protection of constitutional institutions and safeguards.

"We should not even be talking about changing the Constitution simply because it suits a certain class of people. They want to benefit, earn more and extend their stay in Parliament so that they can continue abusing human rights, ignoring the citizens who put them in those positions of power, and believing that they have the time and freedom to disobey the law,” she said.

The remarks were echoed by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and other constitutional reform advocates who challenged Kenyans to take an active role in protecting the gains of the 2010 Constitution.

The speakers further urged citizens to use their democratic rights to hold leaders accountable, including through elections, as the country looks ahead to the 2027 General Election.

The 2010 Constitution was promulgated on August 27, 2010, introducing major reforms including devolution, an expanded Bill of Rights and stronger checks and balances on state power.