The Amnesty International Kenya Gazette July Edition

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Do you mind if we paraphrase Abba’s 1976 song, “Money, Money, Money”, and sing “Elections, Elections, Elections,” because that’s all the country focused on in August! We hope you are well and took a moment to rest as we did during the week of August 8^th

In this issue

Reflections on Uchaguzi 2022
Elections Room
Nairobi Members Meeting
Human Rights Clubs Meeting
International Day of Enforced Disappearances
Towards Section Recognition

Reflections on Uchaguzi 2022

We congratulate all those who won elective seats. For the first time, seven county governments in Kenya will be governed by women, up from three in 2017. In addition, at least 74 women were elected as Members of the National Assembly. These are great strides in the continued quest for gender equality in political representation. We were incredibly impressed by many candidates who gracefully conceded defeat and pledged to work with the winners. Such efforts go a long way in displaying leadership and fostering cohesion after the competition.

The announcement of presidential results, though, did little to calm nerves. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was split over the outcome, with four of the seven electoral commissioners distancing themselves from the results due to the “opaque nature” of the final tally. The scuffles in the auditorium and pockets of violence witnessed in parts of the country were unfortunate events. Swift response by the police and faith in the Supreme Court helped restore order. Eight petitions were filed at the Supreme Court registry at Milimani Law Courts, indicating the trust embedded in this institution. READ MORE

Elections Room

While we remained neutral observers throughout the electioneering period, we responded to a number of political events, notably:

Several posts by KENYA KWANZA and AZIMIO candidates and their supporters misinformed the electorate and the public on the electoral process and the election results. These include distortion, false information shared without malicious intent (misinformation) and those shared to deceive people (disinformation) deliberately). READ MORE

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Incidents of violence at polling and tallying stations:

We were deeply concerned by the sporadic acts of violence witnessed across the country after the polls closed. While the voting exercise was relatively peaceful, we were ill at ease by the targeted assault on female and male voters, election observers, political candidates, and their supporters and intimidation of election monitors. READ MORE

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We reminded the nation that a protracted contentious post-election period would increase social tension and trigger violence and displacement if left unchecked. It will overturn the gains made this far in reconciling and creating a cohesive nation. It will also reverse post-COVID economic recovery and reduce investor confidence. READ MORE

We were greatly concerned with rising reports of intimidation, ethnic profiling, and disappearances of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioners and staff. We further condemned the torture and murder of Embakasi East Returning Officer Daniel Mbolu Musyoka. READ MORE

Visit our Elections Room to view our extensive election-related media coverage.

ELECTIONS ROOM

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Nairobi Members Meeting

We held consultative meetings with 50 members and supporters in Nairobi to discuss the establishment of Circles of Conscience (CoCs) in different sub-counties in Nairobi and to understand better how to engage them best.

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We also got to share the work our Nairobi CoC is currently undertaking and how they can plug in and even start their issue-based Circle of Conscience. The participants encouraged us to engage more with communities living in informal settlements. As always, we remain in awe of the phenomenal work and energy our members bring to the movement! We can’t wait to see all the incredible things they do to create a world where all enjoy human rights.

Are you interested in joining a Circle of Conscience? Reach out to us, and we can put you in touch with the appropriate teams.

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Human Rights Clubs and Patrons Visit

We are overwhelmed by the success of our human rights education program in Homabay, Kericho and Kisumu Counties. We visited Amnesty clubs in 12 schools including Oridi Girls, Ngedia High School, Danis Obara Secondary, Godber Boys, Kabianga School, Koru Girls, Karanda Secondary, and Kisumu Day… the list is breathtaking.

We were impressed by how the clubs have helped the students grow bold, expressive and responsible. The students are not just aware of their rights and responsibilities, but they are challenging fellow students and duty-bearers to participate in all aspects of human rights both within and outside their schools. The students are taking action together, planting trees, cleaning their school compounds, donating sanitary pads to needy students, and some have established school fee kitties for fellow students. Our school clubs continue to nurture students who offer solutions to the societal challenges they face.

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The good news is, these clubs are not exclusive to some regions. We can support you in establishing one in your school. Write to us through [email protected].

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International Day of Enforced Disappearances

We wrapped up the month by joining our partners in the Missing Voices coalition in marking the International Day for Victims of Enforced Disappearances on August 30th, 2022. We held a community dialogue at the Kayole II Community Center in Kayole. Representatives from the National Police Service (NPS), Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), among others, engaged the community on all matters pertaining to enforced disappearances. We also had a help desk on sight to offer legal aid and psychosocial support to the Kayole community, victims and survivors of enforced disappearances.

145 people in Kenya were killed or disappeared in 2019, 168 in 2020, 219 in 2021, and 75 so far in 2022.
At least 275 people have disappeared in Kenya since 2007. Men are more likely to be disappeared and/or be killed. Only 28 cases have court prosecution procedures against them.
69% of the cases were reported during “anti-crime” operations by the police.
30% of the cases happened during “anti-terror” operations.

Join us in welcoming the Missing Voices Coalition’s new Coordinator, Alexander Mbela. Alexander is the Missing Voices focal person in charge of managing relationships with communities, victims of police abuses, artists, human rights defenders, colleagues and partners within the Missing Voices coalition. Karibu to the team, Alex.

Towards Section Recognition

Our path to section recognition intentionally started in 2015 with the approval of a new Strategic Framework (2018-2020), management expansion and appointment of a statutory board. Since then, we have revamped our constitution and governance manual, diversified our budgetary dependence from 97% to 63%, expanded membership from 256 members to over 2,000 members and 21,000 supporters and established 65 locally owned members Circles of Conscience in schools, universities, and communities nation-wide.

Under the Amnesty Kenya constitution and governance manual, we are required to appoint six voluntary leadership positions from our membership. To be eligible, you must be a current member of Amnesty Kenya. The six voluntary positions are:

2022 Annual Delegates Conference Chairperson (1)
2022 Annual Delegates Conference Committee Members (2)
2022 Nominations Committee (3)

Equality and diversity are Amnesty’s core values. We welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, physical ability, faith or other elements of identity or educational and social backgrounds, to apply. READ MORE

We encourage you to consider applying and sharing this with other Amnesty Kenya members. Current Board members and staff are not eligible for nomination to these six positions. This call for nominations closes at 5 pm, 15 September 2022.

NOMINATION FORM

Upcoming Events

Amnesty at 10 celebrations – 18^th October
Annual Delegates Conference – 28^th-29^th October

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July went by so fast; it was like it was also running away from this cold weather! Jokes aside, we have had an electrifying month at AIK. We launched the Jubilee human rights scorecard, partnered with others in hosting gubernatorial and presidential debates and met with our members and supporters kwa ground!

We highly recommend a warm cup of tea and a blanket as you sit back and read about the month of July at Amnesty Kenya.

In this issue

Jubilee Human Rights Scorecard Launch
Elections Debate Series
One-On-One With UDA Presidential Candidate William Ruto
Digital Rights Here, Digital Rights There, Digital Rights Everywhere
Journalist Training in Eldoret
Kisumu Peace and Community Dialogue in Nyalenda
#FormNiEducation
Under The Udala Trees Book Club Discussion
Our Message To The Movement

Jubilee Human Rights Scorecard Launch

	How well do you think the Jubilee administration performed when it comes to human rights? Together with nine other human rights organisations, we rated this administration’s performance at 46%. The scorecard, dubbed: Missed Opportunities: A Human Rights Scorecard on the Jubilee Administration and Lessons for the next Government, found that the human rights-based approach did not inform the Jubilee Government’s policy, legislative and institutional measures. Read More Some Media Highlights on the Scorecard Amnesty International releases report on status of human rights in Kenya Ripoti ys Amnesty: Serikali ya Jubilee yapewekadi nyekundu kusiana na ukiukaji wa haki za binadamu Lobby fingers jubilee regime for waste, graft and poor delivery Amnesty chides Uhuru’s administration

Elections Debate Series

Through your support, we partnered with the Media Owners Association, the Media Council of Kenya, the Kenya Editors’ Guild and other key stakeholders in organising the 2022 Elections Debate Series. For the first time, the debate series incorporated the Nairobi Gubernatorial Debate. Over 32 million Kenyans watched the debates, translating to 82 per cent of the country’s population. 18.5 million were registered voters. The debates were aired live on all Kenyan radio and television stations and on multiple online channels.

This partnership allowed us to inform the debate questions and have 45 members, supporters and partners physically attend the debate. The elections debate series was a crucial platform for issue-based politics. It was unfortunate that a few candidates refused to participate in the debates. Withdrawing from the public leadership debate betrays the electoral freedoms we fought hard to gain. Read More

Click on the thumbnails to watch recaps of the debates below.

One-On-One with UDA Presidential Candidate William Ruto

Our Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, was among the select few invited to KTN’s One-on-One with UDA Presidential Candidate William Ruto discussion. At the televised discussion, he raised the issue of rising cases of extrajudicial killings. He challenged the UDA presidential candidate to publicly explain how he would address the rising cases of extrajudicial killings if elected president. Click on the thumbnail to watch this interactive engagement.

Digital Rights Here, Digital Rights There, Digital Rights Everywhere

We continue to spread the gospel of digital rights far and wide. Our Digital Rights team held digital rights training in Kisumu, where Maseno University students learned about data safety. In addition to digital rights, the training incorporated campaign cycles, gender and inclusion and how to identify problems within the community. The team also in Garissa, Tana River, Kilifi and Mombasa counties to engage human rights defenders on their right to data privacy and data governance. As noted by participants in Mombasa, the future is digital, and we must ensure that everyone is safe and free in digital spaces.

Journalist Training in Eldoret

Iyamune Eldoret! We were in Eldoret with the Missing Voices Coalition for media training for journalists from 10 counties in the Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley regions. The training addressed police accountability, election security and safety, data protection and privacy, and journalists’ wellness.

Kisumu Peace and Community Dialogue in Nyalenda

Baby Pendo would have turned 5 this year. Her life was cut short at 6 months, three days after she was attacked by anti-riot police in their Nyalenda house during the 2017 elections. 5 years on, despite an inquest that found the officers culpable, the officers have yet to be charged in court. During our visit to Kisumu for the Nyalenda Peace Festival Community Dialogue, exhibition and memorial concert, we paid a visit to Baby Pendo’s family, who called on the country to embrace peaceful elections. We continue to reiterate our call for justice for baby Pendo.

#FormNiEduAction

	Let’s turn to matters of education. In July, our Human Rights Education and Activism team were in Kericho, Homa Bay, and Kisumu Counties. They visited our Amnesty Clubs in Kabianga School and Kaplong Girls in Kericho, Homa Bay School, Oridi Girls, Ngedia High School, Danis Obara Secondary, Ober Boys and GodBer High School in Homa Bay and Koru Girls and Karanda Secondary in Kisumu. Amnesty clubs are a marvellous platform where students learn about human rights and are nurtured into responsible citizens.

Under The Udala Trees Book Club Discussion

Good conversation, good vibes, and even greater people, what more could you need from a Book Club Discussion? We had a phenomenal time at our Amnesty Book Club Discussion on Under The Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta. We were joined by Makena Njeri – founder and CEO of Bold Network Africa, Sharlotte Kigezo – NGLHCR in-house psychologist and spoken word artist, and Kenne Mwikya – Amnesty member, public policy specialist, for a discussion on storytelling and human rights. The Amnesty Book Club will take a break in August, but we would love to hear from you on what we should read in the coming months!

Our Message to the Movement

Lastly, After seven months of human rights education and rights monitoring across seven hotspot counties, 69 ward-level community dialogues and national engagement, our team will take a wellness break between 8-11 August 2022 to re-charge and vote. We will work remotely and return to our physical office on Monday, 22^nd August 2022. You can reach us via our WhatsApp hotline +254 759 464 346 for any human rights emergencies.

We call on you and your family to come out and vote. The universal right to vote took four decades for Kenyans to attain. Exercising this right honours those that fought for us. It is also your civic duty. In an election, the vote is the only thing that counts. If we fail to vote, others will choose the next 47+1 governments for us. A high turnout avoids the possibility and cost of an election re-run. Save time by checking your status and polling station stream here https://verify.iebc.or.ke. Read More

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