KENYA: On Katiba Day in Kenya, Citizens Reminded to Uphold Sanctity of Life, Human Dignity
Mr. Eusebious Atamalo
By Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
On Wednesday, August 27, Kenya marked the 15th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution (known as Katiba in Swahili) with a call to citizens, leaders, and institutions to safeguard the sanctity of life and the dignity of every person.
In a message shared with AMECEA Online by the Head of the Catholic Justice and Peace Department (CJPD) at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Mr. Eusebius Atamalo, the Catholic Church in Kenya described the day not only as a constitutional milestone but also as a moral reminder to realign with the values that inspired the struggle for the nation’s supreme law.
“The Constitution was born out of decades of struggle, sacrifice, and dialogue. It ushered in justice, equity, participation, and respect for human dignity. As we commemorate this day, we are reminded of the urgent need to uphold the common good and protect life in all its stages,” reads in part the message of Mr. Atamalo.
Over the past 15 years, the KCCB’s Catholic Justice and Peace Department has been active in civic education, policy dialogue, and advocacy, serving as a bridge between Church and State in promoting laws aligned with Gospel values and the spirit of the Constitution.
Addressing the issue of human dignity and rights, the Head of CJPD noted Kenya’s progress in civil liberties, gender equality, and inclusion but warned against growing inequalities, youth marginalization, and threats to family values.
As one of the central pillars of Catholic moral and social teachings on life protection, Mr. Atamalo reaffirms the call to defend life from conception to natural death.
On devolution, the Church acknowledged positive developments in health, education, and infrastructure, and called for stronger civic education and greater citizen participation in governance at the local level. On the contrary, the head of CJPD raised concerns over corruption and inefficiency, which betray the hopes of the Constitution and block progress toward justice, dignity, and development for all citizens.
According to Mr. Atamalo, there is a need for reforms to restore trust in Kenya’s justice system. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, especially for the poor and vulnerable,” the statement reads.
He further called for ethical leadership, lamenting persistent corruption and political patronage that undermine the Constitution’s vision. Leaders and citizens alike were urged to embrace moral conversion and servant leadership.
As the country looks ahead, the Church calls for a renewed commitment, asking lawmakers to legislate with integrity, citizens to participate in civic life responsibly, institutions to uphold transparency, and the Church to intensify its prophetic role in shaping public morality.
Even though the country commemorated the Katiba Day, it was not declared a public holiday in the country. The Head of State, President William Ruto, in his speech on Wednesday, explained that “We had too many holidays… and so it’s the reason why I also thought that we should not make this a national holiday.”
Instead, he said, the day is meant to remind citizens of their duty to “obey, preserve, protect, and implement the Constitution.”
The President declared August 27 as the Katiba Day to mark the day when the 2010 Constitution of Kenya was promulgated and came into force.
