Former Commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Roselyne Akombe has poured cold water on President William Ruto’s declaration of August 27 as Katiba Day, a national commemoration to honour the 2010 Constitution. 

In a statement shared on her official X page on Monday, August 25, 2025, Akombe noted that Kenyans have been commemorating the event for many year in the past even as the government cracked down on them for observing the day.

Akombe, who was part of the team that oversaw the highly contested and controversial 2017 elections under the late Chairman Wafula Chebukati, asserts that there is nothing new in the declaration, as Kenyans have been honouring the day on their own.

She further took a swipe at the president for purporting to respect the country’s constitution.

“For the past 14 years, Kenyans have celebrated #katibaday and been tear-gassed for doing so. Then this one wakes up one day to declare a day, which we always celebrate anyway,” part of her statement read.

Akombe’s remarks come hours after Ruto made the official declaration through an executive order issued on Monday, August 25, 2025. 

Katiba Day

According to the Head of State, the designation of Katiba Day will provide Kenyans with an annual opportunity to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and renew their commitment to constitutionalism.

The President noted that August 27, 2025, will mark the 15th anniversary of the Constitution’s promulgation, making it a symbolic milestone for the country.

According to the proclamation, Katiba Day will be observed every year on August 27 both within the country and in all Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad.

Commemorating Katiba Day

Ruto further revealed that the day will remain a working day, with government institutions, schools, and county governments required to organise civic activities to promote constitutional awareness and civic engagement.

“Katiba Day shall be observed throughout the territory of Kenya and all our diplomatic missions abroad as a day dedicated to renewing our shared commitment to the ideals of our Constitution by fostering national dialogue on constitutionalism, governance, and the rule of law; and while Katiba Day shall remain a working day, all government institutions in the three arms of government and the two levels of governance, including schools, shall organize, hold, and participate in solemn civic activities on that Day to foster constitutional awareness and civic engagement.”his statement read.