Today, we celebrate Jamhuri Day, a day that our forefathers and mothers fought with blood and sweat to ensure that future generations enjoy the freedom, independence, and nationhood of our beloved motherland. As we join all stakeholders in celebrating this important day, we reflect on Kenya’s remarkable strides since independence as well as the stumbling blocks that threaten to take that very fabric of freedom in our beloved country.
It is therefore disheartening that on the 10th of December, a day celebrated globally to mark the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the culmination of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, peaceful demonstrators advocating against the unprecedented surge in femicide faced violence.
The Commission notes with concern that the violence and force from security officers was unwarranted and excessive, and, ironically, those who faced the brunt were Women! These are our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters who had bravely come out to march for their lives, dignity, and security as well as to advocate for an environment that safeguards their overall wellbeing. Such acts undermine the very rights and fundamental freedoms that we fought so hard to achieve from the Colonial Government.
The events of the 10th of December 2024, are particularly concerning as these violations did not only happen on International Human Rights Day but also when Kenya has recently been admitted as a member of the Human Rights Council. This membership raises the bar even higher for it requires that Kenya sets an example in the promotion and protection of human rights.
As we celebrate this Jamhuri Day, therefore, the Commission reiterates its call on the utmost respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. We remind the security agencies that they are the first Human Rights Defenders as provided for under Article 244(c) of our Constitution. We call on individual accountability for all those officers who meted violence on peaceful demonstrators through immediate investigations and prosecutions. We further stress the importance of safeguarding civic space and protection of all Human Rights Defenders as should be expected from a Democratic State like ours.
May we stand united to protect the dignity and rights of all in Kenya, ensuring that no voice for justice and equality is silenced. True independence is only realized when every person in Kenya enjoys their rights without fear. Let us all recommit to upholding the values of justice, equality, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.
Roseline Odede, HSC,
CHAIRPERSON