An Open Letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta on forceful evictions
By Patrick Kamotho Githinji
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA IN REGARDS TO ONGOING ILLEGAL EVICTIONS IN KENYA.
Hope this letter finds you in good health you and your family, we hope joy and peace is with you , we are delighted by the good and commendable work you and the former Prime Minister are doing towards having a peaceful country.
WHAT WE MANDATED YOU TO BE DOING AS A PRESIDENT.
Chapter Nine of Kenya Constitution gives guidelines into the work we Kenyan citizens mandated you to do, we point out to you that Article 129 (2) on Executive Authority shall be exercised in a manner compatible with the Principle of service to the people of Kenya and for their well-being and benefit. The Authority under article 131(2)(C)Promote and enhance the unity of the nation(d)promote respect for the diversity of the people and communities of Kenya and ensure the protection of Human Right and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.As President the stipulated functions of your work entails (Artcle 132)(c)(i) report ,in an address to the nation, on all the measures taken and progress achieved in the realization of the national values, as referred in Art.10-National values and principles of governance which includes(a) Patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people.
DO YOU ENJOY PRESIDENCY AS WE CRY AND MOURN.
Its pains, that you continue to enjoy Presidency, while hundreds of Kenyans are rendered homeless and their source of livelihoods destroyed by various county governments in collaboration with National Police Service: Article(244) The objects and functions of the National Police Service are (c) Comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms and dignity: and(e)Foster and Promote relationships with the broader society. The ongoing destruction and demolitions goes against the national values as stipulated at the preamble of our Kenya Constitution which states ,we the people of Kenya are Committed to nurturing and protecting the wellbeing of the individual, the family, communities and the nation.
POPE FRANCIS: WHILE IN KENYA, KANGEMI SLUMS ON 27TH Nov 2015.
“In this regard, I would propose a renewed attention to the idea of a respectful urban integration, as opposed to elimination, paternalism, indifference or mere containment. We need integrated cities which belong to everyone. We need to go beyond the mere proclamation of rights which are not respected in practice, to implementing concrete and systematic initiatives capable of improving the overall living situation, and planning new urban developments of good quality for housing future generations. The social and environmental debt owed to the poor of cities can be paid by respecting their sacred right to the “three Ls”: Land, Lodging, Labour. This is not a question of philanthropy; rather it is a moral duty incumbent upon all of us.
I wish to call all Christians, and their pastors in particular, to renew their missionary zeal, to take initiative in the face of so many situations of injustice, to be involved in their neighbours’ problems, to accompany them in their struggles, to protect the fruits of their communitarian labour and to celebrate together each victory, large or small. I realize that you are already doing much, but I ask to remember this is not just another task; it may instead be the most important task of all, because “the Gospel is addressed in a special way to the poor”
Its unfortunate that we have to reflect that among the charges Kenyans were facing at the Hague Court charge number 2 was about deportation or forcible transfer of a population, constituting a crime against humanity .Please note the clause stating ”Or any other new evidence” will be used against those charged. We don’t wish you another anguishing experience but it will be ideal you stand with those less fortunate and surely in fullness of time they will stand with you.The masses, mainly women and children that fasted and Prayed for your good health, safety and acquittal are now being forcefully being evicted, their business destroyed and demolished.
COUNTY ASSEMBLIES LEGISTRATIVE AUTHORITY
Its important to note that in the entire 17 Sub-Counties forming the Nairobi City County Government no Member of Parliament has come vocal against this illegal evictions and demolitions, while legislative authority of a county assembly is behind the ongoing destructions, the household impact of the ongoing evictions and demolitions are of greater magnitude to families and women to be specific, granted that you are spearheading achievement of Agenda 4 which entails focus on food security, affordable housing, manufacturing and affordable healthcare which are anchored in vision 2030 incorporated in the recently agreed 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
MEDIA COVERAGE COMPROMISED.
Since mainstream media, seems to be compromised it has become the norm that evictions and demolitions are happening and no media covers and if at all they cover ,the editors don’t air , thus it doesn’t reach you at state house.
WE DEMAND EVICTION GUIDELINES SIGNED INTO LAW.
Its important to note that Kenya government under your watch has refused to assent to Evictions guidelines, through this short coming Mr.President you are either assisting or abetting the ongoing destruction and evictions,to be specific the past one month over 23 thousands Kenyans have lost their source of livelihoods. In Nairobi alone Ghara /Kariokor Area demolished on 13th/April, over 450 people lost their jobs,On 14 th April, Bama Market 250 people lost their jobs,16th April,Muthurwa Market/ Resident along the Muthurwa exit road about 750 people lost their jobs and some their houses,at Country bus on the same date about 150 people lost their jobs, at Donholm about 600 people lost their jobs,on 20-22nd the same month about 3700 people lost their livelihood along Grogon and River road,as late as yesterday over 2850 people working along Kangundo road towards Mama Lucy watched as county government evicted and destroyed their properties and business.
The ongoing road construction in parts of Nairobi must be halted and National Berue of Statics be mandated to do household surveys.
REPRIEVE AND GOOD WILL FROM YOUR DESK:
1. We demand you immediately address this problem, those whom their properties have been demolished or destroyed be assisted to reestablish their business.
2. We demand assent into eviction guidelines, to be a guiding factor when evictions are taking place.
3. We demand Senate fastracking “Public Participation Bill” dated 22 February 2018.
4. The Preservation of Human Dignity and Enforcement of Economic and Social Rights Bill: No SENATE 8 of 2015 Gazzette No. 69
5. The Impeachment Procedure Bill : SEN Bill No.8 of 2016 Gazette No 90.
6.We demand a halt in misusing or using National Police Service in advancing evictions, destruction and demolition process as this erodes the object and functions of the NPS.
Thank You, we look forward towards a favorable intervention.
Chairman: Muthurwa Housing Cooperative Society.
