We welcome the epiphany of the Catholic Church because for far too long active citizens and civil society have been the lone voice in the wilderness calling out this government on the issues the church has raised.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission, like all other civil society partners, has been consistent in saying the country is in a dire governance and human rights situation.
We even called for rejection of Kenya’s bid to sit in the UN Human Rights Council for these reasons.
The role of eternal vigilance cannot be left to a few people and all of us, including the church and ordinary Kenyans, must join in solidarity to demand for accountability, good governance and obedience to the constitution.
Kenya Kwanza came to power on the strength of their promise of a clean slate in governance.
They promised to stop the weaponisation of police against citizens, especially the dissenting voices.
They promised employment to millions of educated youths who have nothing at all. But, in reality, we have seen massive violations, unconscionable police abuse of power, abductions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and disobedience of court orders.
Corruption is at a grand scale, with new projects like this transition from NHIF to SHIF, among many others, implemented for well-connected businesspeople and politicians to steal.
What is even more baffling is that with all this corruption and police abuses, no one has been held accountable.
KNCHR reported over 70 deaths, disappearances and injuries yet no police officer has been held accountable.
When confronted with these pains the overwhelmed public is experiencing, the politicians gaslight them and, instead, insist their lies are the truth.
To make matters worse, there is a push for an extension of term limits, an absurdity that we will not allow.
The current regime must serve its five-year term and come back to the public for a fresh mandate as per the law.
We are encouraged by the voice of the Catholic bishops and we welcome them to join hands as we fight for a better Kenya.
Martin Mavenjina is KHRC senior programme adviser
spoke to Star
