Wamalwa Criticizes President Ruto Over Constitutional Implementation

Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has sharply criticized President William Ruto for what he perceives as a disregard for the 2010 Constitution. Speaking on August 20, 2026, Wamalwa argued that the Head of State neither believes in nor fully understands the country's foundational legal framework.

"If the president truly respected the Constitution, Kenya would be a very different nation," Wamalwa stated. He emphasized that effective leadership and governance are critical to unlocking the full potential of the Constitution's provisions.

Constitutional Institutions and Governance

Wamalwa described the 2010 Constitution as one of the most progressive globally, highlighting its establishment of independent institutions designed to promote accountable governance. He lamented that the main challenge lies not in the document itself but in its implementation.

"Allowing these institutions to operate independently and defending the Constitution is key to solving many national issues," he added.

Devolution and Youth Empowerment

As a former Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning, Wamalwa underscored the importance of devolution, which created 47 county governments and decentralized resources and functions from the national government.

"We need a president who truly believes in devolution because it is essential for a just, equitable, and inclusive Kenya," he said.

Wamalwa also linked devolution to youth empowerment, criticizing current county administrations for mismanaging resources and failing to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

• He called for a shift from tokenistic youth policies to impactful initiatives that transform young Kenyans from job seekers into job creators.
• Wamalwa pledged to hold governors accountable for corruption and misallocation of tenders if elected president.

Political Context

Positioning himself as a presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, Wamalwa's comments come amid ongoing debates about governance, devolution, and youth employment in Kenya.

The 2010 Constitution introduced significant reforms including devolution, a Bill of Rights, separation of powers, and independent commissions aimed at addressing historical inequalities and improving governance.

Wamalwa concluded that stronger adherence to the Constitution and empowering its institutions are vital steps toward resolving Kenya's governance challenges.