Defense of Catholic bishops is long overdue

We salute the epiphany of the Catholic Church, because for too long, active citizens and civil society have been the only voice in the desert to challenge this government on the issues raised by the Church.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission, like all other civil society partners, has consistently stated that the country is in a dire state of governance and human rights.

It is for these reasons that we have even called for the rejection of Kenya’s candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council.

The role of eternal vigilance cannot be left to a few and all of us, including the Church and ordinary Kenyans, must come together in solidarity to demand accountability, good governance and obedience to the constitution.

Kenya Kwanza came to power on his promise of a clean slate in governance.

They promised to end the militarization of the police against citizens, particularly against dissenting voices.

They promised jobs to millions of educated young people who have nothing at all. But in reality, we have witnessed massive violations, unconscionable abuse of power by the police, kidnappings, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions and disobedience of court orders.

Corruption is on a large scale, with new projects like this transition from NHIF to SHIF, among others, implemented to enable theft from well-connected businessmen and politicians.

What’s even more disconcerting is that with all this corruption and police abuse, no one has been held accountable.

The KNCHR reported more than 70 deaths, disappearances and injuries, but no police officers were held responsible.

When confronted with this pain felt by the overwhelmed public, politicians anger them and, instead, insist that their lies are the truth.

To make matters worse, there is a push to extend term limits, an absurdity we will not allow.

The current regime must serve its five-year term and return to the public for another term in accordance with the law.

We are encouraged by the voice of the Catholic Bishops and we invite them to join hands in our fight for a better Kenya.

Martin Mavenjina is a senior program advisor at KHRC, spoke to Star