Kisumu County has been accused of rushing bills through the assembly without involving proper public participation.
A new report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights accused the county lawmakers of passing bills, which residents did not understand because their opinions were not sought.
The report, which paints the county government as neglectful of its residents’ rights, accused it of oppressing the residents for failing to make them understand laws which they did not participate in making.
“The county assembly needs to do more to ensure all residents are aware of its policies, law and budget making process,” said the report.
The report further alleged that public participation and public information bills which are crucial for residents to understand how the county is governed were not subjected to sufficient public debate.
It also cited the eviction of traders from Oile Market, early September, as one of the peaks of oppression by the government.
“The eviction of the traders, while informed by a good policy, should have been carried out after proper information and consultation with the traders,” noted the report.
The September 12 demolition of traders’ stalls sparked protests after they alleged that an eviction notice given to them had not expired when they were forcefully removed.
The traders proceeded to court to challenge their removal from the market where they had traded from for 20 years. They also claimed that the county had not allocated them an alternative market, threatening their livelihoods.
The report criticised how the county is governed and called for proper allocation of funds to facilitate awareness among the residents.
“Decisions should be subjected to at least two public forums before they are passed in the Assembly,” suggested the report.
The report added that for governance to be inclusive and for the authorities to be held accountable, the public should be involved in decisions affecting them.
“Public lacks sufficient information and is not consulted even where business, such as prospecting of oil, is likely to interfere with a raft of rights.”
The report on human rights in Kisumu County was carried out by network in the last six months and covered the past two years.