In a significant statement made on Monday, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor declared that the Constitution of Kenya is due for a review.
Oduor highlighted that nearly 15 years have passed since Kenyans adopted the current constitution, a period during which the country has undergone substantial geopolitical, social, and economic changes.
Drawing parallels with South Africa, which undertook a constitutional review after just ten years, Oduor emphasized that Kenya has reached a similar juncture. She stated during an interview with TV47.
Her remarks suggest that a constitutional review is not only timely but also essential for addressing the evolving needs of Kenyan society.
Oduor underscored the importance of a collective approach to the review process. She asserted,
Emphasizing that any amendments must reflect the will and interests of the Kenyan populace.
This perspective aligns with the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution, which advocates for public participation in governance.
The Attorney General’s comments come amid growing calls for constitutional amendments, particularly from Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
In July, Odinga argued that a national conversation addressing issues raised by the younger generation, often referred to as Gen Z, could lead to necessary constitutional changes.
He stated that the time had come for the country to critically reassess the 2010 Constitution to address existing gaps and ensure it remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Odinga also referenced the Bomas of Kenya, where Kenyans deliberated extensively to create a progressive constitution.
He lamented that the original Bomas draft was “bastardized” during the Naivasha process and called for a return to that foundational document to identify areas that require cleaning up.
This sentiment resonates with many citizens who believe that the Constitution should evolve to better serve the needs of the nation.
In a broader context, the conversation around constitutional review has gained momentum since President William Ruto’s election in 2022.
Ruto proposed creating the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition and embedding the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary in the Constitution to strengthen the opposition and enhance governance transparency and accountability.
As discussions around constitutional review continue, the call for a collective approach led by the people and their representatives remains paramount.