Civil society groups have used this year’s Katiba Day to call out the government for what they described as persistent violations of Kenya’s Constitution, even as the country marked 15 years since its promulgation.
In a joint press statement by a number of organizations, the groups accused the Executive of undermining democracy, ignoring court orders, weakening independent institutions, and eroding devolution through delayed county funding. They also cited police brutality during recent Gen Z-led protests, which they said violated citizens’ rights under Article 37 to assemble and petition.
“Peaceful protesters, particularly young Kenyans, have been met with bullets, abductions, and killings. This undermines the right to assemble and petition,” the group highlighted.
The groups further faulted President William Ruto’s declaration of Katiba Day, terming it less about honoring the Constitution and more about “sanitizing a record of consistent violations.”
“For the last 14 years, citizens, civil society, and progressive actors have faithfully marked the anniversary of the Constitution’s promulgation, even under hostility from successive regimes. Katiba Day has always belonged to the people. They did not need a presidential proclamation to remember this day,” the groups said.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga who was in attendance, urged Kenyans to defend the 2010 Constitution from betrayal, warning that despite being hailed as one of the best in the world, it risks becoming “a dead letter” without full implementation.
Speaking during the celebrations in Nairobi , Maraga faulted successive leaders for treating public office as a platform for self-enrichment rather than service, saying this undermines constitutional provisions on integrity and accountability.
“Our problem is not the constitution itself but the lack of will to implement it. Those in power often sidestep its provisions to benefit themselves,” he said.
This year’s theme, Inuka Uilinde (“Arise and Defend the Constitution”), was described as a rallying call for citizens to take charge of defending constitutional gains from political expediency.
“The Constitution must be rescued from manipulation and defended by the people it was written for,” said the coalition, adding that the Gen Z movement had already shown the power of citizen action in confronting impunity.
The organizations issued three demands: fidelity to the letter and spirit of the Constitution, an end to Executive interference in Parliament and the Judiciary, and justice for victims of state violence and corruption.
“There must be justice for victims of state violence, past and present. Corruption and wastage must be confronted decisively, and those responsible for human rights violations and looting of public resources must be held accountable,” they said.
The event also honored pioneers of constitutional reform, including Prof. Yash Pal Ghai, whose leadership in the review process was recognized as a cornerstone of Kenya’s democratic journey. It brought together lawyers, rights defenders, and activists, and was marked by reflection on the struggles that birthed the constitution .
