Groups plan ‘Katiba Day’ celebrations

By Dann Okoth

Kenyans will mark the second anniversary of the promulgation of the new Constitution with countrywide celebrations for the occasion dubbed ‘Katiba Day’ on August 27.

Civil society and political parties are mobilising the public for what they promise to be an affirmation of Kenyans’ commitment to the Constitution promulgated on August 27, 2010.

‘Katiba Day’ organisers are working with the Ministry of Justice and institutions involved in the implementation of the Constitution on various activities to commemorate an ‘important day in the history of Kenya’s liberation struggle’.

Under the auspices of the Citizens Coalition for a Constitutional Culture (4Cs-Trust), the ‘Kenya Tuitakayo’ initiative is adopting ‘Katiba Day’ as a rallying point to reawaken the public to the reality of the new order.

“The need to embolden and affirm the constitutional spirit constitutes a priority agenda, especially in informing and directing proper management of the transition and the implementation of reforms,” 4Cs Executive Director Ochieng’ Khairalla said as he launched preparations for Katiba Day.

He recalled the promulgation of the Constitution was the culmination of a grueling liberation struggle in which lives were lost, families tormented, careers devastated, individuals’ rights manipulated and innocent blood shed.

Big dilemma
He added that despite the promulgation of the Constitution, the dilemma of a new dawn amidst impunity is increasingly apparent through nuances in the management of constitutional transition. He cited the Cabinet tampering with the Leadership and Integrity Bill.

“It is one thing to write a constitution, but another thing altogether to proclaim, internalise and uphold its spirit and live up to its values,” he argued, adding: “The dilemma of a new dawn in Kenya amidst impunity presents a disturbing and challenging environment.”

Katiba Day will be an occasion to celebrate the liberation struggle and champion the process of reform, civic education on the Constitution, the devolved system of governance and the need for peaceful, free and fair elections.

“Two years into the implementation of the Constitution, this day has not been afforded the requisite value and acknowledgement in the national calendar,” Khairalla said.

4Cs is leading civil society organisations to use the ‘Katiba Day’ platform to re-write Kenya’s history by acknowledging and honouring important historical events and national achievements.

While the overall objective in marking Katiba Day is to awaken the nation to the reality of a new dispensation, complementary activities on citizen participation have been scheduled.

The activities will allow interaction with policy makers to facilitate direct citizen oversight and audit of implementation of reforms.

A citizen report card debate on the status of the implementation of reforms will be delivered.

As it carries on with its push for ‘Katiba’ and ‘Wanjiku’ (that indomitable and enduring ordinary Kenyan symbol of the liberation struggle and reforms), civil society wants to reclaim its position as the source of constitutional authority in providing leadership and direction in the implementation of reforms.