In a statement marking Katiba Day on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Odhiambo said Kenya has a progressive constitutional and legal framework but that many citizens continue to experience injustice, inequality, insecurity and exclusion.
“Kenya stands at a difficult constitutional crossroads,” she said.
Her remarks come as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, with governance, accountability, civic freedoms and the independence of public institutions expected to remain key issues in political debate.
Odhiambo said the success of the Constitution should ultimately be measured by how it affects the everyday lives of Kenyans rather than by its prominence in courtrooms, political speeches and public discourse.
“The promise of Katiba must be felt not only in courtrooms and public speeches but at the cost of living, in public services, in the security of our homes and in the dignity of every Kenyan,” she said.
Odhiambo Raises Concerns Over Constitutionalism
Odhiambo argued that constitutional rights and principles would have little meaning if state institutions failed to uphold them.
“Constitutionalism cannot thrive where public power is exercised without transparency, where court orders are treated as suggestions, where institutions are weakened, or where citizens are remembered only at election time,” she said.
Her comments focused on the implementation and enforcement of the Constitution rather than calls for amendments to the document.
The 2010 Constitution introduced a broader Bill of Rights, devolved government and additional checks on executive power. However, its implementation has continued to generate political and legal debate over the effectiveness of institutions and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Odhiambo said the Constitution represented a significant departure from Kenya’s history of concentrated political power and limited institutional checks.
Remembering Kenya’s Second Liberation
The former LSK President also used Katiba Day to honour Kenyans who fought for political reforms before the adoption of the 2010 Constitution.
She paid tribute to those who endured detention, torture, exile, violence and political isolation during the struggle for multiparty democracy and constitutional change.
“Their sacrifice during the struggle for multiparty democracy and the Second Liberation made it possible for citizens to demand accountable government, defend civic freedoms and ultimately reclaim the power to make a new Constitution,” she said.
Odhiambo’s message comes as Kenya marks 16 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, with renewed attention on whether its promises of accountable leadership, equality, justice and protection of fundamental rights are being fully realised.
