Civil society groups have called on the government to abide by the rule of law and commit to respect and guarantee fundamental human freedoms in the wake of the increasing threats to civic rights.
The groups speaking during the third annual Civic Space Protection summit held in Kisumu County Wednesday highlighted clear patterns of government repression against peaceful protesters, human rights defenders, and journalists.
Led by Peter Kiama, chairperson of Civic Freedom Forum, they raised concerns over the violations and continued threats that undermine the enjoyment of freedom of expression, association, demonstration, assembly, and picketing as well as the freedom of the media.
“How the police have gone about managing public assemblies is unconstitutional and has resulted in deaths, serious injuries, loss of property, and maiming of innocent citizens,” Kiama lamented.
The members of civil society have documented concerns among them harassment, attacks and threats against activists, and journalists, arbitrary arrests, and the use of excessive force with impunity against protesters.
Siaya Governor James Orengo speaking at the conference, called for eternal vigilance against the efforts to muzzle freedom of expression and censorship.
Orengo noted that the Luo Nyanza region has had the darkest chapter in the history of post-election demonstrations which ought to serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals.
“Constitutional provisions assure Kenyans of their freedom and rights which have been curtailed denying them the ability to express dissent or comment on issues of public importance. This administration must be taken into account so that people can enjoy the promises of the constitution,” stated Orengo.
Kisumu deputy governor Dr. Mathews Owili emphasized the importance of Civil society groups in pushing the state to respect and guarantee fundamental freedoms.
He underscored the critical role civil society organizations play in holding the government to account and promoting a human rights-based approach to governance.
“One good example is how the government used brutal force in handling the recent countrywide protests against the high cost of living. Many of our people were shot or beaten to death by police. It was the civil society activists who gathered the hard evidence of police involvement and shared the same with the media and Human rights organizations,” Owili stated.
The deputy governor lauded the independent civic society for documenting the cases of violence against innocent protesters hoping that the perpetrators would one day be held to account for the atrocities.
He observed that the civic space protection summit was hosted in the lakeside county since the locals in the area bore the brunt of police brutality in pursuit of their constitutional freedom and rights.
“Kenyans must be left free to enjoy the bill of rights as enshrined in the constitution without being intimidated, tortured, killed, and maimed,” Owili stated.
