A caucus of young legal professionals dedicated to constitutionality, respect for human rights, and the rule of law have asked the government to move with speed and address the rising cases of alleged abductions and arbitrary arrests in the country.
Young Lawyers for Justice led by its chairperson Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina said abduction constitutes a violation of human rights and should therefore be stopped immediately.
“We are calling for the respect of the rule of law, unconditionally release all abductees, ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and prosecute perpetrators under the International Crimes Act (2008),” the group said in a statement read by MP Njeri.
The group addressed a press conference on Thursday in Nairobi.
YLJ stated that Kenya’s reluctance to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance adopted in 2006 gives room for impunity to thrive.
At the same time, YLJ called on leaders to respect Judiciary independence and protect it from unnecessary attacks.
The caucus regretted that the wanton defiance of court orders, well-calculated attacks, intimidation and coercion of judges grossly violates the independence of the judiciary.
“We are hereby calling on the government of Kenya to respect the doctrine of separation of powers and by extension the independence of the Judiciary. Further, we are calling on the judiciary to remain resolute in the administration of justice,” YLJ added.
The caucus also asked the government to expedite funding to institutions of higher learning, address the healthcare degradation and employ the best interests policy approach.
“We are also calling for scrapping of all the punitive taxes imposed on the Kenyan people and adoption of policies that will address the unemployment menace,” they said
The caucus also asked the government to put in place systems that will protect the misuse of data by collectors while at the same time demanding the ratification of the Malabo convention.
“In light of the foregoing, we are calling other professionals to mobilize for structural reforms and engage the general populace in civic education,” they said.
