Former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki is renowned for emphasizing the value of constitutional government. Regarding the importance of drafting and maintaining a robust constitution that represents the will of the people, he has been quoted frequently. He believed that the ultimate protector of societal values and goals should be a country's constitution.
Consider a nation's constitution to be the foundation of its home. According to Kibaki, a constitution must be painstakingly drafted to withstand the test of time and serve the interests of all citizens, much like a building's foundation must be strong and well-built to guarantee the stability and longevity of the structure. A constitution must be strong and carefully crafted to lead the country through many difficulties and changes; it is not enough to just exist.
Kibaki's background as a leader and an advocate informs his opinions on constitutional governance. He has long supported democratic reforms and good governance, pointing out that a strong constitution can uphold social justice, safeguard citizens' rights, and guarantee stability and prosperity.
He feels that extreme caution and diligence should be used when drafting or amending a constitution. All parties involved, including political parties, civil society organizations, and private citizens, must be thoroughly consulted. This inclusive approach guarantees that the document accurately reflects the will of all those it is intended to protect.
Kibaki's position is essentially that constitutions have great moral and social significance even though they are legal frameworks. They are living tools intended to act as stewards of social values, not merely documents. A constitution must protect the rights and interests of its citizens, just as a guardian looks out for and defends what is most valuable.
Kibaki emphasizes that leaders and citizens alike must make sure that their constitutional framework provides a strong basis for creating a just and prosperous society by highlighting the significance of exercising due diligence in the creation of such a crucial document.