The Institute for Development and Leadership in Africa has called on Human 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 harrassment by government state agencies.
According to Mr. Denise Kodhe Director General of IDEA, Kenya Kwanza government 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 responsibility not only to respect but to ensure that the citizens enjoy the rights without interference or intimidation by the state.
IDEA further castigates the kenyan government for intimidating human rights crusaders and the media through arrests, abduction and torture for the frontliners agitating for their rights.It is really sad that the state used its security agencies to mercilessly disrupt peaceful protests in the country by citizens especially Gen.Z who were in the streets demanding for the dropping of punitive finance bill 2024/2025.What was witnessed in the country is a state massacre on it's own innocent citizens and more so children and youth.
The constitution of Kenya 2010 article 37 guarantees citizens right to picket and to protest without interference by the state.Police brutality witnessed in Kenya a few days ago which saw nearly forty people especially the youth and children been fell by police bullets through shooting should be condemned by the whole World.
Despite this great loss the government does not seem bothered to the extent that the Cabinet during their meeting at State-House yesterday praised the police for the good work.
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, 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 through proper governance and listening to their voice.
IDEA has called on the media to be allowed to do it work without intimidation, gaging and oppression of freedom of expression and information as enshrined in the 2010 constitution.
