Address unresolved injustices in Nyanza, activist urges Ruto

 

President William Ruto

A human rights activist has urged President William Ruto to look into unresolved injustices in Nyanza. 

In an open letter to the President, human rights activist Audi Ogada urged Ruto to appoint a special tribunal to look into the long-standing and unresolved injustices on victims of past elections violence, police brutality, abductions, forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

The letter dated September 4, said there is need for healing, reparation and inclusive governance.

Ogada, however, praised the head of state for his efforts in promoting cohesion and inclusive leadership by appointing individuals from Nyanza to his government.

This is despite the region's previous overwhelming support for the opposition.

"This unrelenting spirit should be extended beyond expectations to include the people who were vilified and branded as devil's children due to their lunatic support for you during the difficult political times," Ogada said.

He said the journey towards national unity is far from being won.

Ogada urged the President to initiate a healing process to address relations and fault lines to help build respect among communities and leaders.

"This process should include compensation and reparation for victims of past elections violence, police brutality and forced evictions," Ogada said.

He also highlighted the importance of outlawing discrimination and the use of derogatory terms against any community in Kenya.

"There is need to establish platforms for victims to share their experiences and for the government to take steps to prevent future electoral violence by holding perpetrators accountable," Ogada said.

The open letter also touched on broader issues affecting the country such as youth unemployment and the need to look into all the issues raised by Gen Zs.

Ogada said the President should institute a platform for reaching out to former elected leaders from Nyanza whose valuable contribution could still be relevant to his government and Kenyans at large.

He further urged Ruto to continue the spirit of humility and servant leadership demonstrated during his visit of Nyanza, drawing parallels to biblical figures like David and Moses.

by FAITH MATETE