IDEA for Africa Condemn The Ongoing Crackdown And Kidnapping of CSOs and Human Rights Activists
IDEA for Africa Condemn The Ongoing Crackdown And Kidnapping of CSOs and Human Rights Activists
The Institute for Development and Leadership in Africa is urging juman rights activists, civil society organisations, religious organizations and the media to continue agitating and advocating for the upholding and respect of human rights despite intimidation and harassment by government state agencies.
IDEA further castigates the government of president William Ruto for intimidating human rights crusaders and the media through arrests, abduction and torture for their steadfastness is agitating for democracy and respect to human rights and the rule of law.
IDEA for Africa Condemn The Ongoing Crackdown And Kidnapping of CSOs and Human Rights Activists
According to Mr.Denise Kodhe -the Director General of IDEA, Kenya Kwanza government of president Ruto should be reminded that days of dictatorship and intimidation of people and citizens agitating for their rights are long gone.
As stated in the 2010 constitution, the government should be reminded that the Bill of Rights in the constitution is clearly stipulated and therefore it has as responsibility not only to respect but to ensure that the citizens enjoys the rights without interference or intimidation by the state.
“It is really sad that the state used its security mercineries to mercilessly disrupt peaceful protests in the country by citizens especially Gen.Z who were in the streets demanding for their rights.What was witnessed in the country is a state massacre on it’s own innocent citizens and more so children and youth.” Says Denise
The constitution guarantees citizens rights to picket and to protest without interference by the state.
Police brutality witnessed in Kenya a few days ago when innocent oeaceful citizens were killed and maimed should be condemned by the whole World.It was a state massacre on it’s own citizens and more so children and youths.This is unacceptable in the world of today.
Nearly forty people especially the youth and children lost their lives through shooting by police and several seriously injured during the demonstrations.
Despite this great loss the government does not seem bothered or perturbed to the extent that the Cabinet during their meeting at State-House yesterday praised the police for the good work.
It is really sad for a country like Kenya which has made historic tremendous mark on its democratisation process to be brought down by reckless and clueless selfish leaders.
“Human rights advocates, civil society organisations, the media, religious groups among other agitators should not relent in pursuit and demand for respect to the rule of law, human rights and the democratisation process in general” adds Denise
There must be resistance to dictatorship and abuse of power by autocratic leaders in Africa for the continent to change.
Such leaders should be reminded that intimidation,killings, intimidation and abduction of crusaders will not help them and therefore the best thing for them is to reform and understand that leadership is about leading people and not forcing themselves to stay in power.
