Katiba Day: MP Caroli Omondi pushes for constitutional values and civic education
By Aloys Michael, August 27, 2025Suba South Member of Parliament (MP) Caroli Omondi has called on Kenyans to reflect on the constitution not just as a document, but as a lived reality.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the MP argued about whether the Constitution exists on paper and whether its principles are being upheld in practice, particularly the rule of law, integrity, and accountability in leadership.
“We have a Constitution. But are we really living with it? Are our actions, especially in governance, reflecting the values enshrined in it?” He posed.
In response to what he sees as a growing disconnect between constitutional ideals and lived reality, Omondi has sponsored the Education Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The bill seeks to introduce a new subject into Kenya’s curriculum: Nationhood Science, from kindergarten through tertiary education. The subject aims to embed the national values and principles outlined in Article 10 of the Constitution, including patriotism, unity, human dignity, social justice, and the rule of law.
Omondi draws inspiration from countries like Singapore and Sweden, where civic education and national values are deeply integrated into the school system. These nations, he argues, enjoy better leadership and civic discipline because their citizens are socialised into constitutional values from an early age.
“Civic order cannot be legislated into existence. It must be taught, learnt, and internalised,” he said.
Rule of law
Kenya’s Constitution, adopted in 2010, is one of the most progressive in Africa. It guarantees fundamental rights, devolution of power, separation of state organs, and judicial independence.
However, Omondi’s call raises a pressing question: Is the rule of law being applied equally and consistently?
Despite frequent affirmations from the courts that they hold ultimate authority in constitutional interpretation, implementation gaps remain. Kenyan courts have repeatedly emphasised that no organ of state is above the Constitution and that it must be applied impartially and without bias.
But beyond courtrooms, challenges persist. Corruption, political interference, and weak civic responsibility often undermine constitutional ideals. Omondi believes the remedy lies in long-term civic education, not just legal enforcement.
“The Constitution will only work if people believe in it and live by it,” he asserted.