Africa and the world continue to observe with keenness as an awakened population in Keny asks pertinent questions on social, political, economic and security accountability. The type of de facto governance currently being witnessed is not what was envisaged by our Constitution. Our national values and principles are continuously watered down with impunity yet, seeking accountability is perceived by some leaders as criminal.
Discrimination, while very subtle, has and continues to be destructive to our cohesion and co-existence. It is worse when it is directly perpetrated by government security agencies who are meant to protect all citizens. At this point, it is imperative to ask some questions that will help us understand partly, why Kenyans are not relenting on protesting with different people having different reasons to engage in the month-old protests that begun in June 2024. Social media is awash with video allegations of police attacks on specific areas at night after the protests. One wonders why this is the case? Why does the state, allegedly, choose to kill some, abduct some and arrest others? Even after shattering dreams of many individuals and families why doesn’t the government take meaningful action to address concerns raised by Kenyans rather than fueling anger amongst Kenyans.
The world is witnessing the emergence of awakened and engaged citizens, yet the political class remains oblivious of the people’s hue and cry for justice and accountability for the lives and livelihoods lost and those injured. As the people push for rule of law, duty bearers and their associates continue to push citizens towards impunity then label active citizens as anarchists.
Profiling, targeting and intimidation of individuals, communities and organizations goes against Article 27 of our constitution. All Kenyan voices count and must be heard with respect, dignity and equality. To normalize the recent heinous police conduct means going against our own commitment to good governance. The public pronouncements by the government on accountability followed by unaccountability and disdain have become cliché. Lest we forget, more bodies are yet to be retrieved from Mukuru’s Quarry pit. What actions have been taken to ensure all bodies are retrieved? By when? When do Kenyans get to finally have the Coroners Office fully established to deal with such cases? Instead of utilizing public resources in the much need disaster management and humanitarian support, the government is using both human and financial resources to suppress a legitimate quest for a brighter future for all Kenyans.
One thing that remains clear in this situation is that citizens in their diversity have realized that it is the political class that has always divided the country and distracted us from focusing while they plunder country’s resources.The political class is entrenching and perpetrating discrimination against many citizens, however, there is hope as Kenyans are now woke!
Zaina Kombo is Amnesty International Kenya’s Equality and Anti-Discrimination Campaign Manager and writes in her personal capacity. Email: [email protected]