Linda Katiba: We Will Continue Resisting Attempts To Cannibalize Kenya’s 2010 Constitution

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 25- Convenors of the Linda Katiba, a voluntary citizen-led initiative to defend Kenya’s 2010 constitution has vowed to sustain their campaign even after NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua joined the Azimio la Umoja alliance.

The Azimio alliance is led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and its presidential candidate Raila Odinga- who have been pushing for the amendment of the constitution, through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

The Supreme Court is set to issue a ruling on the legality of the process.

In a statement, the conveners of Linda Katiba said they will continue resisting attempts to “cannibalize” the constitution.

Karua was a figurehead of the initiative, but the convenors now say they do not have hierarchal leadership or “an individual as a leader of the coalition.”

“Linda Katiba is determined to keep resisting the Presidency-led efforts to unconstitutionally cannibalize and overthrow the will of the people of Kenya encapsulated in COK 2010,” reads the statement.

“We believe that our 2010 constitution holds great promise for the Kenyan people and when fully implemented will bring about the transformative changes envisioned by its framers and the Kenyans who voted for it in August 2010.”

The Linda Katiba convenors said the country’s democracy will be “strengthened by opposing those who undermine the progressive 2010 Constitution and are committed to weakening our democratic institutions.”

The coalition called on the Judiciary to remain “courageous” and steadfast in protecting the constitution.

Among the BBI proposals includes expanding the executive, to create a position of a Prime Minister and two deputies- in a move to enhance inclusivity.

Those opposed to the initiative say it is set to do away with the gains of the 2010 constitution.

For example, Deputy President William Ruto says it is set to introduce an imperial presidency.