We, the Kenyan diaspora in the United States, are alarmed by the escalating incidents of human rights abuses, kidnapping, abduction, maiming, and killing of citizens under President William Ruto's government. These atrocities have created a culture of fear, particularly among dissenting voices, and threaten to undermine Kenya's democracy and rule of law.
If what is going on the country will go unabated, it will completely whitewash the tenets of democracy and the rule of law, destroy the economic and social fabric of the country and completely ruin Kenya’s standing amongst the community of nations.
Why should the security agencies abduct, torture, and kill innocent citizens when the constitution is very clear that the same agencies are tasked to safeguard their security, it is even worrying that President Ruto has failed to come out and condemn these vices.
The recent arrest of Morara Kebaso, affiliated with the soon-to-be-launched Inject Party, on questionable charges, echoes Kenya's past undemocratic practices. Kebaso was arrested and charged with defamation, despite accuser David Langat, denying any wrongdoing. This development raises concerns about Kenya's justice system, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, the abduction of the Kitengela Three- Bob Njagi, Aslam Longton, and Jamil Longton who were held incommunicado for one month are stark reminders of the government's disregard for human life and dignity. No one is spared in Kenya. Even the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang'o, has also faced threats after exposing corruption in the discharge of her duties.
We are deeply troubled by the killings during the Gen Z demonstrations two months ago and the numerous abductions of Kenyan youth, many of whom remain unaccounted for. The fact that a senior county leader can send goons to sodomize a Kenyan whose only crime was exercising freedom of speech without any sign of facing justice is a stark indictment of the government's failure to protect its citizens.
In a statement released by Jimmy Onkangi, coordinator of the Inject Party under the "Kenya Ni Home" Movement, led by Morara Kebaso, they highlighted several key concerns. These concerns include kidnapping, abduction, maiming, and killing of citizens, which have become rampant. The diaspora community is also alarmed by the entrenchment of a culture of fear, where dissenting voices and those who expose corruption are intimidated and silenced.
Furthermore, the statement criticized the lack of fairness and accountability in Kenya, particularly the government's failure to investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of crime. This has led to widespread impunity and erosion of trust in the government.
The Kenyan diaspora in the US urges the government to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans. As a significant contributor to Kenya's economy through remittances, the diaspora community's problems cannot be ignored.
Besides Kenya's dire human rights situation, multiple problems continue to bedevil the country, especially on the economic front.
Kenya's economic woes have the diaspora community worried, and rightfully so. The country's massive debt burden and rampant corruption are major concerns that need urgent attention. Mr. Onkangi, a resident of Dallas, Texas, sums up the frustration: "Why can't the government focus on fighting corruption, where billions of Kenyan shillings are being looted and stashed in offshore accounts?" By tackling corruption, the government could save billions and invest in development instead of relying on loans that have ballooned Kenya's foreign debt to a staggering $80 billion.
The situation is dire, with thousands of school leavers and university graduates struggling to find employment every year. Kenya's economy grew well before the COVID pandemic, but the benefits of growth have not been evenly distributed, leaving nearly 33% of Kenyans below the national poverty line. To make matters worse, corruption is pervasive, diverting funds away from productive economic activities and slowing growth.
The government's efforts to fund its budget with increased taxes on essential goods have been a breaking point for many Kenyans, especially young, educated, and unemployed youth. President Ruto's administration must progress on reducing corruption, growing the economy, and creating jobs to steer Kenya away from more violent economic and political disruptions.
The diaspora plays a pivotal role in national development but remains a neglected constituency.
We urge President Ruto's government to prioritize Kenya's pressing issues instead of getting bogged down in political power plays. The current debate over impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is diverting attention from critical challenges, such as the contentious takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport's management by the Adan Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate.
Additionally, the ongoing doctors' and lecturers' strikes, along with the contentious higher education funding model, are crippling the health and education sectors.
The diaspora is perturbed by Kenya's newest healthcare system especially the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The shift is plagued by technical difficulties, coverage concerns, and issues with processing payment claims. This transition, part of President Ruto's plan to achieve Universal Health Coverage for Kenyans
has proved a quagmire to healthcare providers and patients. There is no clear headway from the government to resolve the nightmare.
The impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua should not overshadow the need for constructive governance and policy-making that benefits all Kenyans. Ultimately, President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua's fates are intertwined, and addressing the country's challenges will require a unified approach.
After all, the two leaders have wronged Kenyans due to maladministration practices in the government they all serve. If it's impeachment, both must suffer the same fate. W
hat's good for the goose is good for the gander.
The Kenyan diaspora is outraged after a public participation forum at the Bomas of Kenya turned violent, leaving Inject Party founder Morara injured. The shocking incident occurred after Nairobi legislators Beatrice Elachi, Tom Kajwang, and George Aladwa publicly incited their supporters in the hall to target Morara who attended the meeting. What is even more disturbing is that the assault happened in full view of police officers present at the venue.
Lister Nyaringo, is the chairman of the Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby based in the US
No comments:
Post a Comment