Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka/FILE
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reflected on the legacy of former President Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as Kenya marks 16 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Kalonzo, who was Vice President when the Constitution was promulgated on August 27, 2010, recalled the historic occasion at Uhuru Park, where Kibaki signed and promulgated the new constitutional order in the presence of Raila and other leaders.
In a message marking the anniversary, Kalonzo said the occasion remained deeply significant to him, particularly following the deaths of the two leaders.
"I return to that day with a heavy heart. Of the three of us who stood on that dais, I am the only one still walking among you. President Kibaki rested on 21st April 2022 and Raila died on 15th October last year," Kalonzo said.
He recalled that Raila stood alongside Kibaki during the ceremony and that the occasion was marked by a 21-gun salute.
“When the 21-gun salute went off, I remember thinking that the country had finally exhaled after holding its breath for far too long,” he said.
He described the situation as leaving him with a responsibility to uphold the ideals that informed the adoption of the Constitution.
“That leaves me with a duty I do not treat lightly: to keep faith with what the three of us, and millions of Kenyans, put our names to,” he said.
Kalonzo's reflection places the memories of Kibaki and Raila within the broader history of Kenya's constitutional reform, which culminated in the 2010 referendum and subsequent promulgation.
He said the constitution was adopted as a means of ending political instability and establishing a framework that would guide the country's governance.
“Sixteen years ago, we chose the Constitution to end chaos. Let us choose it again today and every day, until the promise on the paper is the reality in every village in Kenya,” he said.
The Wiper leader urged Kenyans to continue defending and upholding the constitution.
“The Constitution is not a document for seasons. It is our shield and defender,” he said.
His remarks come as Kenya marks 16 years since the promulgation of the Constitution, a milestone that has renewed discussions on its implementation, the gains made since 2010 and the challenges that remain.
The Constitution introduced significant changes to Kenya's governance structure, including devolution, an expanded Bill of Rights and new institutions intended to strengthen checks and balances.
For the Wiper leader, however, the anniversary also offered an opportunity to remember the political figures who played key roles during the transition to the new constitutional framework.
