NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya on Wednesday marked the 15th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution, with civic leaders warning that the country risks sliding back on hard-won democratic gains.
Speaking at the Katiba @15 commemoration in Nairobi, constitutional scholar Nora Mbagathi said the charter remains a beacon of hope but is under sustained attack from those seeking to weaken its safeguards.
“Today’s true guest of honour is the Katiba – our Constitution at 15. It is now firmly in its teenage years,” the Katiba Institute Executive Director said. “We have come a long way, but we are still some distance from full implementation.”
Gains Since 2010
Mbagathi highlighted the impact of the Constitution in everyday life, noting that courts continue to play a pivotal role in defending rights and checking government excesses.
She also pointed to devolution as one of the most transformative features of the 2010 charter, despite its challenges.
“The Constitution enshrined in law that ultimate power belongs to the people, and Kenyans are demanding that right more forcefully than ever,” she said.
Warnings of Regression
But she cautioned that the same gains are now at risk.
“We see police violence, abductions, killings, renditions, the ignoring of court orders, and attempts to undermine, dismantle or amend our supreme law,” Mbagathi said. “Independent institutions are under attack and oversight bodies co-opted or weakened.”
Her remarks come at a time when civic groups have raised alarm over rising cases of police brutality, disobedience of court rulings by state agencies, and political attempts to tamper with constitutional provisions.
Call for Vigilance
Despite the setbacks, Mbagathi urged Kenyans to treat the 15-year milestone as a moment of resilience and renewed commitment.
“Yes, the Constitution has taken a battering; we, the people of Kenya, have taken a battering. But today we are united to discuss fidelity to the Constitution – what does full implementation mean to you, and how can we achieve it?” she said.
The 2010 Constitution was adopted in the aftermath of the 2007–08 post-election crisis and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Kenya’s democratic transition.
“As we mark this anniversary, let us keep the fight to protect our Katiba going and celebrate the milestones we’ve achieved,” Mbagathi added.
