Members of civil societies should execute their responsibilities with impartiality, honesty and without favors, a Kisii-based don has said.
Speaking on Sunday during a seminar organised by Mars Group in Kisii town, Prof Nyachieo Bogonko said civil society should play a key role of protecting the interests of the public rather than those in power.
He said the country was likely to struggle in promoting democracy and liberalism if members of civil society approached issues in a partisan manner.
“For years, the civil society has been integral in promoting interests of the public in matters governance. The groups should be fair, neutral and honest in dealing with contemporary issues. Our country is likely to struggle when we have the civil groups engaging in active politics whether with opposition or government,” he said.
He warned the groups of losing relevance if they worked with political parties and also urged its members to condemn the vices the society is facing.
“I do not mean that you should not support or oppose some things but it’s important if you handle these issues based on the interest of the public. You should always work for the public or else you risk losing relevance. The public will have confidence in you if you condemn the vices in our society,” he said.
He warned activists who were seizing different situations to solicit money in defense of people suspected of engaging in a number of civil wrongs.
“As an activist, you should reject bribes when some people approach you after having committed a crime. In most developed nations, members of the public believe in the civil society and they use them as a channel to air grievances so it’s important for you to be good ambassadors,” he added.