A Human Rights Defender's Perspective

Kenyan Parliament in session - Courtesy of the Daily Nation. Brushing through American politics I get amazed at the level of scrutiny with which both houses analyze actions by government. From the contraceptives debate, to the state vs. religion debate to the economy debate, I get amazed at the level of preparedness with which a congressman lashed out at the US Treasury Secretary for “the government’s lying to the American people” by claiming to fund projects that are in his opinion economically not viable considering the amount of debt the US already owes, going as far as comparing the US with “worse of European states like Greece.” Well before jumping on my neck and dismissing me for my outright ignorantia , yes I am fully aware that this is an election year, yes I am aware that the Congressman was a Republican, yes I am aware that the Bush administration made far more policy blunders than Obama may ever make, yes I do know that the grilling had a lot of political rhetoric and unde...

Charles Dickens ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ describes Old Bailey, “It was famous, too, for pillory, a wise old institution, that inflicted a punishment of which no one could foresee the extent; also, for whipping post, another dear old institution, very humanizing and softening to behold in action; also, for extensive transactions in blood money, another fragment of ancestral wisdom, systematically leading to the most frightening mercenary crimes that could be committed under heaven….. For people then paid to see the play at the Old Bailey, just as they paid to see the play in Bedlam – only the former entertainment was much more dearer.” This creative description in those olden days by Dickens paints a vivid picture of how the courts of law were then held. The court and its proceedings were a spectacle, the men in robes - almost immortal, meting out punishment and intimidating the common folk who viewed the institution in awe. Indeed, the prevailing view of the courts and what they represe...

Insightful interviews I recently watched on Jeff Koinange’s show Capital Talk aka. ‘ on the bench ’ – a show I religiously watch - highlighted issues [away from the Ocampo 4 hubbub] that ought to be at the centre of national debate. During these interviews of Dr. Leakey and John Githongo, two gentlemen who have preached the gospel of good governance and who have in their own special ways contributed towards this, brought to mind some pertinent issues that many a times go unmentioned. Though differently phrased both were asked about what they hope to see the Kenya and its people become.  John Githongo, currently running the ‘ Ni Sisi ’ campaign that seeks among other things to empower the youth and transform a largely ignorant and ethnically polarized society into a cohesive one capable of making informed decisions on issues of governance and self empowerment was of the opinion that he yearns for a day when the ideals that drive the campaign are realized. He elicited his sadness a...