Government is cruel and bitter towards its people - MUHURI
MUHURI accused the government of cruelty and bitterness towards its people, asserting that the nation is regressing to the dark days when freedom of speech was severely restricted.
The Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) has condemned the government's failure to protect citizens and its blatant disregard for constitutional principles, following a worsening human rights situation in Kenya.
At a key board meeting on Sunday, led by MUHURI Board Chairman and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, the organisation decried the alarming rise in extrajudicial killings, abductions, enforced disappearances, and femicide.
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MUHURI accused the government of cruelty and bitterness towards its people, asserting that the nation is regressing to the dark days when freedom of speech was severely restricted.
"From extrajudicial killings to the violation of fundamental rights, it is clear that the government is failing to protect its citizens. The blatant disregard for court orders is a direct assault on our Constitution. Disobeying court orders is tantamount to overthrowing the Constitution, and we challenge the judiciary to take decisive action to uphold its authority,” the organisation said.
“Two years into this administration, frustration runs deep. This regime is cruel and bitter with its own people. The state is reviving an era of fear and intimidation. We reject this return to the dark days when Kenyans could not speak freely."
The organisation also raised concerns over the involvement of state agencies in human rights abuses, criticising Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for denying any involvement in these acts.
It recalled the shadowy militia groups, including Jeshi la Mzee, Mungiki, and Men in Black, which have historically operated with impunity in collusion with state agents.
"Who is responsible for these abductions? The Inspector General of Police denies police involvement, yet history reminds us of shadowy militia groups that have operated with impunity. These groups, working hand in hand with state agencies, have subverted the rights of Kenyans for far too long," it said.
MUHURI further condemned the lack of accountability within the police force, calling for officers to wear visible identification during operations.
“Police officers must not conceal their identities; their service numbers should be clearly visible,” the organisation said.
In its statement, MUHURI voiced strong support for Kenyan youth, particularly Generation Z, who are at the forefront of demanding justice and accountability.
“We stand with Gen Z and all Kenyans fighting for justice and accountability,” Mutunga declared.
The organisation also condemned Safaricom's alleged involvement in facilitating abductions, demanding transparency and accountability from the private sector.
“Why is a private entity in cahoots with an oppressive state? Kenyans deserve transparency and accountability, not betrayal.”
MUHURI criticised the unlawful profiling, abduction, and killing of youth under the guise of crime prevention, urging that individuals be subject to due legal processes rather than extrajudicial executions.
It highlighted that justice should never come at the expense of human life.
The organisation called for an end to arbitrary arrests, particularly highlighting the detention of 11 civil society activists during a peaceful vigil last Friday.
“Human dignity and rights must be respected. It is unacceptable that our female colleagues cannot even access basic necessities like sanitary towels while in detention,” it said.
In addition, MUHURI condemned the government's plans for the Uyombo Nuclear Power Plant, citing a lack of public participation and concerns about the risks posed by hazardous technology.
“We reject the plan, just as we opposed coal plants in Lamu and Kitui,” it said. “Why is the government importing hazardous technologies that other countries are abandoning? We demand a clean and safe environment for the people of the Coast and beyond.”
MUHURI also condemned the recent withdrawal of security from the Chief Justice, terming it as a blatant act of intimidation. It noted that such tactics have long been used to silence dissent and exert control adding that known—no one is safe under the Kenya Kwanza regime.
The organisation stressed the urgent need to stand up for justice and constitutional rights, urging Kenyans to take action.
“The fight for justice, dignity, and constitutionalism cannot wait. If we do not stand up now, we risk losing our country to tyranny and lawlessness. We must resist and demand accountability from those in power,” MUHURI said.
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