Former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana has welcomed President William Ruto’s proclamation designating August 27 as Katiba Day but challenged him to go beyond symbolism and ensure the full implementation of the 2010 Constitution.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Kibwana said the decision was both surprising and significant, as it underscored the centrality of the Constitution to Kenya’s democratic journey.

“I was thinking it was a very sudden decision because I did not quite expect it. There is also a positivity about it because it means that the president has given a signal that the constitution is important to the public, and therefore, this is something that, going forward, people can use to build on the momentum of agitating for the implementation of the constitution,” Kibwana said.

Kibwana on constitution implementation

The constitutional lawyer and governance expert, however, noted that commemorative declarations must not be an end in themselves.

He argued that Kenyans have waited for over a decade to see the supreme law fully operationalised in spirit and in practice.

“But of course, from a political angle, sometimes things are said so that people can be happy about them, and my expectation and hope is that this is a signal that the president realises and accepts that we must implement the constitution,” he remarked.

Kenya marked 15 years since the 2010 Constitution was promulgated on Wednesday, August 27, with President Ruto leading in the celebration of the milestone at a commemoration event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

Kibwana had earlier described the two arms of government, the executive and the legislature, as the weakest links in the implementation of the 2010 Constitution.

Speaking on a local radio station on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Kibwana shared his view on the achievements of the current constitution as Kenyans mark 15 years after its promulgation.

”The executive and legislature are the weakest links in the implementation of the constitution,” Kibwana said.

Katiba Day

Ruto officially declared August 27 as Katiba Day, a national commemoration to honour the 2010 Constitution, which he described as one of the most transformative and progressive charters in human history.

In a presidential proclamation issued on Monday, August 25, 2025, the Head of State said 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.

“On the 27th day of August, 2010, in exercise of the sovereign will of the People of Kenya and in revitalising the foundational principles and values of our democracy, the Constitution of Kenya was promulgated,” Ruto stated.

“The promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 marked a defining moment in our nation’s history, heralding a new era of constitutionalism, citizen-centred governance, devolution and equitable development, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and a shared aspiration for a more just, equitable, and prosperous nation for all.”