By Ndung’u Wainaina
Worth Noting:
- A robust independent press is very important for functional democracy. The Kenya government must reaffirm by actions commitment to freedom of expression and free media as key cornerstones of healthy democracy. A free press plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and fostering a transparent and accountable government. Any form of attack, intimidation and assault on journalists and or gagging free media is barbaric and affront to the Constiution.
- ICPC firmly reiterate that press freedom is a fundamental principle that allows journalists and media organizations to operate without censorship or government interference. It is a vital pillar of freedom of expression and is essential for a democratic society.
Kenyans are united in commitment to building, strengthening, and sustaining a healthy constitutional democracy and protecting progressive Constiution.
They remain deeply committed to democracy and accountable clean government. They have an unyielding belief that honest and accountable government is the only way people can rise to meet the daunting challenges that confront their beloved country
While the demand for democracy that delivers is high, the supply remains low and is in decline.
International Center for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) insists that democracy must yield socio-political and economic dividends for ordinary Kenyans in practical and tangible ways through greater economic freedom, prosperity, and better quality of life; that bridges the gap between the rich and poor.
The sovereign people of Kenya are the engine and the center of building and sustaining their democracy. They are reasserting their sovereignty over the state.
ICPC is deeply disturbed by the shrinking of democratic and civic space, and the apparent capture, manipulation and weaponization of state institutions to advance personal and partisan interests.
It is terrifying to note that National Police Service has literally converted into political militia contrary to the Constiution and committing atrocious crimes. Police are operating like political thugs.
The Kenya people must push back this democratic backsliding and decline.
A robust independent press is very important for functional democracy. The Kenya government must reaffirm by actions commitment to freedom of expression and free media as key cornerstones of healthy democracy. A free press plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and fostering a transparent and accountable government. Any form of attack, intimidation and assault on journalists and or gagging free media is barbaric and affront to the Constiution.
ICPC firmly reiterate that press freedom is a fundamental principle that allows journalists and media organizations to operate without censorship or government interference. It is a vital pillar of freedom of expression and is essential for a democratic society.
Freedom of the press lay at the foundation of all democratic institutions guaranteeing free flow of information, democratic accountability and check on power. There should be no government interference and censorship contrary to Article 34 of the Kenya Constitution. It is ICPC belief that freedom matters and that it is integral for democracy to work in ways that prioritize fairness and justice, security and safety, and prosperity for all people.
The gallant Kenyan young people have unequivocally spoken. There is no dialogue. It is action to reset and clean the governance system. The center for gravity of Kenya politics has fundamentally shifted to new order. ICPC fully endorse young people well-informed unambiguous position.
The Gen Zs and young Kenyans are not interested in old identity political and accommodating ethnic constituencies arrangements. They are patriotic and committed to new Kenya founded on new software of constitutionalism and rule of law, democratic accountability, economic dignity, integrity in governance and intergenerational equity sustainability. This is visionary, transformative and responsive agenda for the country by the collective spirit of young people.
The young people have rejected tokenism politics. They are demanding equal participation, speak and be heard, engage, and use their creative energies for the good of the country and to ensure their presence at the decision-making table is recognized and impactful. The country will benefit immensely by capitalizing on the democratic dividend of a growing youthful population.
We unreservedly support for effective participation of young people in governance and economic spaces and that young people themselves must actively pursue effective non-tokenistic participation that allows their voices to be heard and integrated into policymaking. The must be resolute their demands.
It is crucial to deploy wide range of interventions and the provision of resources, facilitate the capacitating and building of knowledge for young people on the Constiution, democracy and economy including through supporting, encouraging, and facilitating young people with a full agency to engage on issues changing the country’s partial free democracy.
ICPC vehemently reject authoritarian regime in the making. This Kenya government must recognize that constitutional democracy cannot be consolidated without an open and vibrant civic space that allows citizens to be at the center of democratic processes and building of statehood.
It is very important to confront attempts at threatening civic space and sponsoring repressive civil society policies under the guise of advancing noble causes, but which have the effect of constricting organized civil society.
We demand that government desists and stop placing restrictive CSOs policies. There is no place in democratic society for draconian policies that undermine fundamental freedoms, liberty and dignity of the Kenyan people.
It is unfathomable that many civic groups, and individuals that, include activists, civil society actors, the media, artists, and human rights defenders, operate in precarious conditions of fear, reprisals, attacks, and threats. This undermines the contribution of citizens to democratic practice and participation in democratic processes outside of spaces organized by the State.
ICPC demands Kenya government embrace international obligations and constitutional responsibilities to protect and implement effective and resourced mechanisms to promote and protect human rights defenders and civil society organizations in Kenya.
Ndung’u Wainaina is the Executive Director, International Center for Policy and Conflict (ICPC)
