Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru faults Ruto’s declaration of August 27 as Katiba Day
By Kiprono Keileb, August 25, 2025Advocate and human rights activist Ndegwa Njiru has publicly criticised President William Ruto’s declaration of August 27 as Katiba Day, a national commemoration aimed at marking the 15th anniversary of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
In a statement released on his official X account on Monday, August 25, 2025, shortly after the announcement, Njiru questioned the sincerity of the President’s commitment to the charter, describing the move as contradictory.
“Hahah, this is a mockery, Bwana. You’re stretching this joke too far,” Njiru wrote.
The activist argued that celebrating a constitution that the President had previously opposed and reportedly does not fully believe in undermines the significance of the commemoration.
Njiru’s criticism centred on what he described as inconsistencies in the President’s stance toward the 2010 Constitution.
“How do you celebrate a constitution that you opposed? How do you celebrate a constitution that you don’t believe in? How do you celebrate a constitution that you don’t respect?” he asked.
Njiru’s remarks mirror broader public debates over whether political leaders remain aligned with constitutional principles and genuinely committed to upholding democratic values.
The President had described the 2010 Constitution as one of the most transformative and progressive charters in human history and emphasised that Katiba Day would promote civic engagement.
However, Njiru dismissed this rationale, arguing that the symbolic celebration is insufficient if it is not backed by genuine respect and adherence to the law.
A call for consistency and accountability
Njiru’s reaction has reignited discussions on the importance of consistency between public statements and policy actions.
He urged political leaders to not only celebrate constitutional milestones but also actively implement the charter’s provisions in governance and legislation.
“WANTAM! KOMBOA KENYA!” Njiru concluded, reinforcing his call for accountability and deeper respect for constitutional governance.
Analysts say that while symbolic observances such as Katiba Day are valuable in promoting civic awareness, they must be accompanied by concrete action to strengthen public confidence in the Constitution.
Critics argue that without consistent adherence to constitutional principles, commemorations risk being perceived as performative rather than substantive.
As Kenya prepares to mark the 15th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution, Njiru’s critique serves as a reminder of the scrutiny political leaders face regarding their commitment to democratic ideals.
The activist’s statement underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between symbolic recognition of constitutional milestones and tangible implementation of governance reforms that honour the spirit of the law.