38 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)in Kenya have responded to President William Ruto’s allegations that the civil society has been behind the anti-government protests led by the Gen Z movement.
In a joint statement issued on July 20, the organizations emphasized their commitment over the past three months to advocating for freedom of expression and the right to assemble including protest, active citizenship, an end to extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, abductions, and the theft of public resources.
They highlighted that the ongoing protests across various parts of the country are a direct result of the government’s failure to be accountable and transparent, and its disregard for the voices of the Kenyan people.
“Against this background, we are deeply concerned by the recent letter from the Government of Kenya implying that Civil Society Organizations fund and support unlawful behavior and unruly protests, which starkly contradict our work,” reads the statement in part.
“We categorically repudiate these unfounded accusations and reiterate our call for the government to remain true to the constitution and protect independent civil society organizations and media in Kenya.”
NGOs Refutes Allegations of Sponsoring Protests
Additionally, the NGOs stated that they have been instrumental in Kenya’s development, playing a pivotal role in protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, promoting good governance, and fostering social and economic progress.
“We unequivocally condemn any unlawful acts during protests. The allegations that CSOs are complicit in promoting illegal activities are false and undermine the invaluable work they do to strengthen our society and are aimed at tarnishing the perception of NGOs to the citizenry we serve,’ the statement further read.
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“In recent months, NGOs have risen to initiate rapid response interventions to meet the pressing and overwhelming needs and concerns of Kenyans affected by the crisis through providing legal aid for those arrested or abducted, medical assistance for those injured, and psychosocial support for individuals and families affected.”
The NGOs noted that the suggestion that young people, particularly Generation Z, are being funded to speak up and use their voices devalues their genuine contributions to Kenya’s development.
Furthermore, the NGOs mentioned that they have continued to amplify advocacy on human rights and governance concerns presented by Kenyans.
They stressed that these actions, championed over a long period, should not be misconstrued as support for the acts of lawlessness and violence inflicted on Kenyans, which the NGOs have consistently condemned throughout the protests.
Civil Organizations Praises Gen Z
Also, they added that young Kenyans have shown remarkable dedication and initiative in advocating for positive change and shaping the nation’s future, and they deserve to be heard and respected.
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The Organizations further condemned the unprecedented violent crackdowns, abductions, and disappearances of Kenyans who have expressed concern over the state of governance and human rights in Kenya.
These attacks and threats, they said have also been directed at human rights organizations, the media, and individual journalists.
“In recent weeks, prominent human rights organizations in the country have been subjected to an increase in acts of intimidation, harassment, and threats by the authorities, as well as threats against partners that fund their human rights work,” the organizations noted.
They called upon the government and all stakeholders to protect the Kenyan civic space, emphasizing that the organizations must be allowed to operate without undue interference or baseless accusations.
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