The manipulation of the Constitution of Kenya,1963-1996:A reflective essay

Abstract

From 1963 to 1996,the Kenya Constitution went through changes that were politically motivated,narrow in scope,and detrimental to the emerging state whose official goal was to create a nation.It is possible,therefore,to examine Kenya's Constitutional revolution in terms of political intrigues that gave reason to the amendments,first under Kenyatta and then under Moi.Under both men,ammendments were largely due to executive manipulations. After 1988,however,the initiative for constitutional changes shifted from the executive to ordinary civilians.Under Kenyatta and Moi,parochial politics rather than national interests determined constitutional changes.Only after Mlolongo,que-voting elections,did amendments and calls for reforms appear to have a national outlook.This article explores the manipulation of the constitution of Kenya between 1963 and 1996.