Clergy and civil society leaders review 2010 law

Stakeholders in the religious and legal sector have warned leaders against using the constitution for personal gain and instead focus on how it can improve the welfare of all Kenyans.

They spoke at a prayer meeting to mark the 10-year anniversary of the constitution. The meeting at the Holy Family Basilica church was presided over by Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria (pictured above) and Bishop Philip Anyolo and attended by people from the public and private sector.

The religious leaders urged citizens to use the constitution for the greater good.

“Our constitution, with its limitations, has something godly in it. It aims at serving,” said Muheria, emphasising on the need for people to acknowledge that the constitution is meant to uphold the importance of humanity.

He added that the language of the constitution focuses on “we” and that should be enough indication that it was created to serve everyone and not a few individuals.

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu said despite the threats and intimidation their institution has faced, the Judiciary has tried to uphold the letter and the spirit of the 2010 constitution.

“As judges and magistrates, the 2010 Constitution gave us a belief and courage we had never known before. Our confidence in the contents of its 18 chapters gave us the courage to do even what might have been unpopular but was right,” she said.

Law Society of Kenya chairman Nelson Havi paused a couple of rhetorical questions to reflect on the progress the country has made since the promulgation of the constitution and some of the flaws that have affected its implementation.

“The question as to whether good or bad laws have been made in the last 10 years is for you to answer. If you are satisfied, pat yourself on the back, you elected good leaders.

"If you are dissatisfied, look down in shame, you elected bad leaders. Has the constitution made us act responsibly or have we found a way around it? Has it corrected us?” he posed. 

Chairman of Kenya Christian Professionals Forum Charles Kanjama said the focus has been put on the external framework of the constitution, but it is time for the country to focus on what he termed the 3V software – Value, Virtue, Vision.

The meeting also challenged leaders to stop using the constitution to push for their selfish agendas and urged citizens to spare time to read and understand the constitution.