Wamuchomba calls out leaders over betrayal of 2010 Constitution
By Kiprono Keileb, August 27, 2025Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has sharply criticised Kenya’s leadership on Katiba Day, saying the nation has strayed far from the constitutional ideals Kenyans fought to enshrine in 2010.
In a statement released from her office and posted on X on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Wamuchomba lamented that 15 years after the promulgation of the Constitution, the country is not the Kenya many envisioned.
“Today is Katiba Day. I’m not sure we have the Kenya that we bargained for,” she said, pointing to gaps between the letter and spirit of the law.
The MP urged leaders to restore honesty, transparency, and the rule of law, referencing Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
“Leaders must bring honour to the nation, promote public confidence, and serve selflessly. Yet today, we see leaders prioritising political loyalty and personal gain over constitutional duty,” she states
Wamuchomba highlighted the erosion of institutional independence, citing political interference in bodies like the Judiciary, the recruitment of IEBC commissioners, and even the Auditor General’s office.
“Leaders have attempted to weaken our watchdogs, turning them into tools of the executive rather than servants of the people,” she said. She also noted budget cuts that have undermined judicial operations, warning that such interference erodes public trust.
She further condemned the routine disobedience of court orders.
“What message do we send to Kenyans when officials sworn to uphold the law are the first to break it?” she asked, pointing to cases of illegal demolitions and police brutality where judicial rulings were ignored.
Gender inequality in leadership also drew sharp criticism. Wamuchomba reiterated that Article 27(8) requires no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive bodies to be of the same gender.
“Despite court rulings and deadlines, successive parliaments have failed to implement this requirement, denying women their rightful place in leadership,” she said.
The MP also raised concerns about the misuse of public resources and the stalling of the Equalisation Fund, which is meant to improve infrastructure and services in marginalised counties. “Billions remain unspent or diverted, leaving communities in Turkana, Marsabit, and West Pokot still struggling with inequality,” she said.
On constituency boundaries and county representation, Wamuchomba warned that political interference has left many areas underrepresented.
“Constituencies like Ruiru, with populations larger than some counties, are yet to be subdivided,” she noted, adding that unresolved county boundary disputes undermine effective governance.
Other issues highlighted include a lack of meaningful public participation and marginalisation of minority groups, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“Citizens are rarely given adequate time or resources to engage, reducing public participation to a box-ticking exercise,” she said.
Wamuchomba concluded with a call for leaders to honour the Constitution in both action and spirit.
“Katiba Day should not just be a celebration of law on paper. It is a reminder that leadership without integrity, accountability, and transparency is a betrayal of our democratic promise,” she said.
As Kenya marks Katiba Day, her message is a stark reminder that the journey to uphold constitutional ideals is far from complete, and that citizens must remain vigilant in holding leaders accountable.