A scene from the post election violence. Photo/the-star.co.ke
FIDA Kenya is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the ongoing violence in various parts of the country arising from the announcement of the 2017 presidential results. Whereas there is a lot to celebrate especially the success of women in the electoral process, it is unfortunate that women and children are once again bearing the brunt of post-election violence.
We join the various human rights institutions that have condemned the violence, most specifically where women and children have been reported dead and/or injured. Women diligently played key roles during the just ended elections; as candidates, voters, security officers, members of the various political parties, IEBC officials, agents and observers. It is disheartening to see them exposed to violence and more so threats of a replica of violence experienced in the 2007/2008 post lection violence. It is common knowledge that in any form of violence in a society, women and children bear the greatest brunt.
As a human rights organization, FIDA Kenya calls upon the Inspector General of Police and Cabinet Secretary in charge of internal security to protect Kenyans from harm and death. This protection should be within the ambit of the law. FIDA Kenya emphasis that as public officers they will be held personally liable for the wanton deaths and suffering of the masses of Kenyans. Kenyans peacefully exercised their Constitutional and democratic right to vote and both “winners” and “Losers” have an equal right to be protected to celebrate and/or peaceful express their dissatisfaction. Women and children need this protection at most.
FIDA Kenya calls upon Kenyans to report any incidences of violence targeted against women and children to FIDA Kenya SMS hotline SEMA USIKIKE number 21661 for FIDA Kenya action and onward forwarding to the relevant government authorities.
We call upon Kenyans to embrace peace even amidst the call for accountability and justice.
Signed byJosephine Wambua MongareFIDA Kenya Chairperson