The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli, has urged President William Ruto to support constitutional changes that he believes will enable the government to deliver on development projects for the Kenyan people. Speaking during a service at Ekambuli Church of God in Kwisero, Kakamega County, Atwoli emphasized the need for reforms, citing legal barriers posed by Kenya’s 2010 Constitution that, according to him, hinder effective governance and development. President Ruto and several other political leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, were in attendance.
Atwoli’s plea underscores the growing friction between Kenya’s legal framework and the administration’s desire for rapid development. He explained that while President Ruto has shown a commitment to spearhead major projects, the Constitution’s provisions allow citizens and various interest groups to challenge government actions in court, a right Atwoli believes has been misused to stall potentially beneficial projects. He remarked that Ruto faces an uphill task in driving transformative projects due to these legal challenges and expressed concerns that without constitutional changes, Ruto could conclude his term without accomplishing his vision for the nation.
“Mr. President, we want to help you, but the battle you face is significant,” Atwoli stated. “The first task is to support amendments to the Constitution of Kenya. The President proposes projects, but people rush to court to block them, even when they are for national benefit.” Atwoli pointed out that the judicial mechanism provided by the Constitution is often exploited, a trend that he believes hinders the development agenda.
This appeal for constitutional amendments follows growing discussions on whether Kenya’s 2010 Constitution—praised for its progressive nature and enshrinement of civil liberties may have restrictive clauses that limit efficient governance. One key area of contention is the role of the judiciary in intervening in executive decisions, particularly concerning development projects. The Constitution grants citizens the power to challenge government decisions, ensuring a robust system of checks and balances, but critics argue that this power has been frequently used to derail projects based on political, economic, or personal interests rather than genuine concerns for justice.
Atwoli’s position has sparked debate within political circles, as some view his call as necessary to facilitate development, while others fear it could undermine judicial independence. For Ruto’s administration, the challenge remains balancing the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution with the need for administrative efficiency. Constitutional reform efforts have been attempted in the past but have been met with resistance, largely due to fears of centralizing power or diluting judicial oversight.
Atwoli was quick to reaffirm the Luhya community’s support for Ruto, promising that his region would stand by the President’s agenda if it aligns with the people’s interests. “We are fully behind the President and his vision for Kenya. We have the strength, the reasons, and the commitment to support him,” Atwoli declared. The veteran trade unionist added that leaders from his community are not only willing but intentional about helping Ruto realize his objectives.
Constitutional amendments are often met with apprehension in Kenya, where memories of centralized power under previous regimes remain fresh. The 2010 Constitution was designed with extensive public input and represented a hard-won victory for democratic principles. Yet, as Kenya’s development demands evolve, the conversation around constitutional reform is likely to gain momentum, especially with influential leaders like Atwoli vocalizing their support.
The event also saw attendance from other political heavyweights such as Mudavadi and Oparanya, indicating a convergence of regional and national leaders on matters of development and governance. While President Ruto has not publicly responded to Atwoli’s call, the growing pressure from political leaders could prompt the administration to consider constitutional reforms in the coming years. Whether this potential amendment process will gain popular support remains to be seen, as many Kenyans weigh the importance of preserving democratic safeguards against the need for a government that can act decisively in development matters.
In the broader context of Kenyan politics, Atwoli’s statements signify the enduring power of local political endorsement. As Ruto’s administration advances, the balance between respecting constitutional provisions and ensuring effective governance will continue to be a critical issue in Kenya’s political discourse.
