Katiba Day: Oburu invokes Raila’s legacy, calls for economic liberation

NAIROBI, Kenya – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has urged a "Third Struggle" centered on economic emancipation and citizens' rights as the nation commemorates the 16th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution. Speaking on Katiba Day, Odinga underscored that the Constitution emerged after a protracted fight for democracy, human rights, and accountable governance.

He highlighted the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens, students, workers, religious figures, and civil society during the struggle for democratic reforms, including detention, exile, torture, and death.

Oginga paid homage to the late ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga, acknowledging him as a pivotal figure in Kenya's democratic saga. He recalled Odinga's instrumental role in advocating for multiparty democracy, devolution, human rights, and popular sovereignty. However, the ODM leader emphasized that merely having a well-drafted constitution on paper is insufficient to alleviate the suffering of the poor.

He cited unemployment among the youth, exorbitant healthcare costs, subpar education, and enduring poverty as challenges that continue to erode the advancements made since the Constitution's promulgation.

The ODM leader proposed launching the "Third Struggle" to convert political freedoms and constitutional rights into real economic prospects and enhanced living standards for every Kenyan. He urged the younger generation to collaborate with the older generation to drive the nation's democratic and economic trajectory, urging them to merge youthful vigor with the seasoned wisdom of those who fought for the reforms that culminated in the 2010 Constitution.

This call for action follows Kenya's 16th-anniversary celebration of the Constitution's promulgation on August 27, 2010, following a nationwide referendum that ushered in transformative changes to the country's governance framework, such as decentralization and expanded constitutional safeguards for citizens.