Visiting constitutional expert warns of state’s coercive powers, weakening of civil society

Dr. Yash Ghai addresses the audience yesterday during his public lecture.

Dr Yash Ghai, former Chair of the Kenya Constitutional Commission, yesterday cautioned against the coercive powers of the state and the deliberate weakening of civil society, saying that they are used by power-hungry politicians to fuel conflict.

He likened politicians to colonists, saying that many pursue higher office because the easy way to power is capturing the state.

Professor Ghai, an eminent Kenyan constitutional lawyer,