A Human Rights Defender's Perspective

I recently finished reading a book by William Makepeace Thayer titled " From Farm House to the White House" - a book on the life of George Washington I got a beautiful quote from it ... some thing to ponder over: " Happy it is for this country that the general of their forces can safely be entrusted with the most unlimited power, and neither personal security, liberty, or property, be in the least degree endangered thereby ." And so we ask ... are our governments (or those that control them) willing - if afforded sweeping powers over security matters - to guarantee their citizenry, personal security, liberty, or property, freedom from endangerment is the least degree? Is the government of Kenya - even as it seeks more authority on matters security by means of the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill - committed to ensuring that personal security, liberty, or property shall be protected?? If not then fuck that piece of proposed legislation! My Ta...

THE BELOW ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE WEEKEND EDITION OF THE STAR NEWSPAPER - 5/04/2014 SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014 - 00:00  --  BY BEMIH KANYONGE IMPOVERISHED: Refugee women wait for food rations at Dadaab camp. The government?s newest encampment seems to care little about the dignity of refugees. Photo/File The massive use of force by the government, often to kill innocent people, violates several provisions of the constitution. And its treatment of refugees violates Kenya’s obligations under international law. Ever since it came in power, the government has shown no respect for the rule of law. Article 2 proclaims the supremacy of the constitution. Anything done outside the constitution is void. No one can claim or exercise authority that is not recognised by it. Article 10 emphasizes two of the key national values of leadership and governance: the rule of law and good governance. The senseless killing of innocent people at the hands of criminals in the Coa...